Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Damiana, a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine, contains compounds that supposedly boost libido. It has also been used to treat a wide variety of disorders and diseases, including anemia, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to support damiana’s use for any health condition. What’s more, the supplement may have side effects that make it unsafe for some people, such as those taking insulin.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Damiana
Turneraspecies have been used as medicinal plants for various conditions for centuries. These uses include but are not limited to:
Turneraspecies have also been used as abortives, expectorants (cough medicine that clears phlegm), and laxatives.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been promoted as an aphrodisiac.This means that damiana might improve sex drive (libido) and performance.
It is essential to remember, however, that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination. Also, damiana studies for libido have primarily been conducted on rats or mice with studies on humans limited making damiana’s effects unclear.The aphrodisiac effect may be related to the plant’s high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant chemicals that are thought to affect the function of sex hormones.
Further, higher-quality studies are needed in humans before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness for any condition.
What Are the Side Effects of Damiana?
As with many medications and herbs, side effects are possible with damiana.
Common Side Effects
The following were found in studies using damiana:
However, the studies used a combination product (damiana,yerba mate,guarana) andinulin(a type of plant food fiber). It’s unclear if damiana alone would have these effects.
Some isolated components of damiana have decreased blood sugar.
Severe Side Effects
Asevereanaphylactic(allergic) reactionis also a possible serious side effect of any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Your healthcare provider may advise against taking damiana if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How Much Damiana Should I Take?
While there are a few small studies on damiana, larger and better-designed studies are needed.For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take for any condition.
If you want to try damiana, talk with your healthcare provider first. And follow their recommendations or the label instructions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Damiana?
There is little information about damiana toxicity and overdoses in humans. However, high doses of 200 grams may causeconvulsions. You may also experience symptoms similar torabiesor strychninepoisoning.
If you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Since damiana or its components may lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, this herb may increase the effects of diabetes medications—likeinsulin.If yourblood sugar is too low, you may experience symptoms such as excessive tiredness and sweating. For this reason, take damiana with caution.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Damiana
Since storage instructions may vary for different herbal products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medicines tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit theFDA’s websiteto know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also finddisposal boxesin your area.Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients (s): Asarbutin, pinocembrin, acacetin, apigenin, 7-glucoside, and Z-echinacinAlternative name(s):Damiana, damiane, oreganillo, the bourrique, Mexican damiana, Mexican holly, damiana de Guerrero, hierba de la pastoraLegal status: Legal without restriction in all U.S. states except for Louisiana, where it can be purchased as a dietary supplement or homeopathic remedy but cannot be snorted or smokedSuggested dose: May vary based on condition and dosage formSafety considerations: Avoid use in people with diabetes, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and in children; may interact with prescription medications like insulin, herbs, and supplements
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients (s): Asarbutin, pinocembrin, acacetin, apigenin, 7-glucoside, and Z-echinacinAlternative name(s):Damiana, damiane, oreganillo, the bourrique, Mexican damiana, Mexican holly, damiana de Guerrero, hierba de la pastoraLegal status: Legal without restriction in all U.S. states except for Louisiana, where it can be purchased as a dietary supplement or homeopathic remedy but cannot be snorted or smokedSuggested dose: May vary based on condition and dosage formSafety considerations: Avoid use in people with diabetes, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and in children; may interact with prescription medications like insulin, herbs, and supplements
Damiana is a plant that can potentially suppress appetite and increase libido (sex drive).Yohimbeis another plant that some people use for the same potential effects.
As with damiana, there is limited research to support using yohimbe for weight loss or libido. Yohimbe is also not typically recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in children.Also remember that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.
But unlike damiana, there is more information about yohimbe’s potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, yohimbe is linked to the following side effects:
Yohimbe may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants, such as Nardil (phenelzine).
Damiana is available in several dosage forms—with liquids being the most common.
Before taking herbal medications like damiana, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about all medications you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.This can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. Your provider can also ensure that you’re giving damiana a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Damiana & What to Look For
There are several different sources of damiana.
Food Sources of Damiana
Damiana is naturally available as a wild shrub. In the United States, it’s approved to be used as a flavoring agent in food.
Damiana Supplements
Damiana is sold in several forms, including pills—like capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, damiana is also available in the following dosage forms:
You typically can find damiana at health food stores and shops specializing in supplements and herbs. Damiana may also be in herbal combination products to suppress appetite or increase libido. (Be aware thatsupplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.)
Summary
Turneraspecies have been used in traditional medicines for many conditions. Damiana (Turnera diffusa)is a wild shrub with a long history as a medicinal plant. For example, people might use it to lose weight or improve libido (sex drive). There’s limited research to support its use for these purposes, however.
Damiana is always combined with other herbs in human studies, making damiana’s effects on its own unclear. Also, it’s important to know that supplements advertised for weight loss or sexual enhancement often have a high risk of contamination.
Taking large doses of damiana may be harmful. Children, people with diabetes, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it.
Before taking damiana, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Estrada-Reyes R, Ferreyra-Cruz OA, Jiménez-Rubio G, Hernández-Hernández OT, Martínez-Mota L.Prosexual effect ofchrysactinia mexicanaa. Gray (Asteraceae), false damiana, in a model of male sexual behavior.BioMed Research International. 2016;2016:1-9. doi:10.1155/2016/2987917
Harrold JA, Hughes GM, O’shiel K, et al.Acute effects of a herb extract formulation and inulin fibre on appetite, energy intake and food choice.Appetite. 2013;62:84-90. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2012.11.018
Parra-Naranjo A, Delgado-Montemayor C, Fraga-López A, Castañeda-Corral G, Salazar-Aranda R, Acevedo-Fernández JJ, Waksman N.Acute hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of teuhetenone a isolated from Turnera diffusa.Molecules. 2017 Apr 8;22(4):599. doi:10.3390/molecules22040599
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Singh R, Ali A, Gupta G, et al.Some medicinal plants with aphrodisiac potential: A current status.Journal of Acute Disease. 2013;2(3): 179-188. doi:10.1016/S2221-6189(13)60124-9
Therapeutic Goods Administration Department of Health.Proposed amendments to the poisons standard (medicines/chemicals).
Parra-Naranjo A, Delgado-Montemayor C, Fraga-Lopez A, et al.Acute hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of teuhetone A isolated fromTurnera diffusa.Molecules. 2017;22(4):599. doi:10.3390%2Fmolecules22040599
Louisiana Legislature.RS 40:989.2.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Yohimbe.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.A guide to herbal remedies.
Food and Drug Administration. Substances Added to Food.Damiana.
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