Benefits of Damiana

There are many alleged benefits of damiana. Conditions the herbal supplement is claimed to treat include bedwetting, constipation, and indigestion. People may also take it to increase stamina and as an aphrodisiac. Whether these benefits of damiana are actually true has yet to be proven. Because so little is known about the supplement, it should not be given to children without the permission of a healthcare provider.

 

Damiana Benefits: An Overview

Damiana is a shrubby plant that is sometimes used as a dietary supplement. It is often claimed to be beneficial for the following conditions:
 
Damiana is also used to increase physical and mental stamina, and as an aphrodisiac. It may also provide a mild "high." Damiana comes in many forms, such as dried leaves, extracts, liquors, and capsules. People take it orally as a supplement, drink it in alcoholic beverages, and smoke it. Depending on the form, damiana is regulated as a food, alcohol, or dietary supplement in the United States. Damiana is not a controlled substance or an illegal drug.
 
There is little scientific evidence proving that damiana is beneficial for any use (see Does Damiana Work? for more information). As with many herbal remedies, claims for the benefits of damiana are sometimes exaggerated, and such claims must be evaluated critically. Most importantly, it is essential to remember that natural products should not be used carelessly, as many can be quite toxic (for instance, many poisons are natural products).
 

How Does Damiana Work?

It is not known how damiana may work, either for recreational use (to achieve a mild "high") or for medicinal uses.
 
(Benefits of Damiana Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;