Damiana Leaf Benefits And Side Effects

Damiana leaf is a small shrub that is popular containing many medicinal properties. Now let us discuss about the damiana leaf benefits and side effects..

Damiana Leaf Benefits
Damiana leaf was historically used as an aphrodisiac, and also to relieve anxiety, depression and nervousness.  Damiana leaves are usually  used as a herbal treatment for various conditions such as :

• Damiana herb or its leaves are mainly used as an aphrodisiac to boost libido and treat impotency in men.
• Damiana leaf benefit as a tonic for the central nervous system.
• Damiana leaves may provide relief in painful menstruation.
• Damiana leaf benefit to help to ensure regular bowel movements.
• Damiana is supposed to have hormone balancing properties.
• Apart from these, damiana  leaf benefit also helps to increase metabolism, relieve cough, asthma and bronchitis.

Damiana Leaf Side Effects
The damiana side effects are usually not serious in nature. Damiana leaf side effects are usually experienced when the herb or its extract is taken excessively. An overdose of damiana can cause mild indigestion, nausea and diarrhea. This herb contains a compound, called arbutin, which is a glycoside compound. This compound is converted to hydroquinone in the urinary tract. Excess of hydroquinone can cause nausea, vomiting and tinnitus. Presence of a significantly large amount of hydroquinone in the urinary tract can also cause convulsions.

Damiana can affect the blood sugar levels, so diabetic people should be cautious while using this herbal medicine. They should talk to their physician regarding the use of this herb. They also need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels while taking damiana. People smoking damiana for recreational purposes, can experience irritation in the lung tissues and headache. Smoking damiana can also affect the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In addition to these, some other possible damiana side effects are, insomnia, weight loss, low blood sugar and irritation of the urethral mucosa.

Continuous use of damiana leaf can adversely affect the absorption of iron, eventually. Moreover, certain people can be allergic to damiana. Such people can experience symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, hives, skin rash, unusual swelling of the face, tongue and lips, and breathing difficulty, after ingesting the leaves of damiana herb or its herbal preparations. The effects of damiana in children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been established. Therefore, they should never use this herb without the permission of their health care provider.

After knowing the damiana leaf benefits and side effects, it is a wisdom for you to consume it properly.  

READ MORE - Damiana Leaf Benefits And Side Effects

Use Damiana Tea For Traditional Medicines

Most people in many countries use damiana tea for traditional herbal medicines due to it has lots of health benefits to heal various disease. Damiana is a shrub that comes from Central and South America which is often used to make tea or infusion. So in this article we talk about the benefits, side effects, as well as how to make damiana tea. 

Benefits of Damiana Tea

• Damiana tea has been used for constipation as well as nervous dyspepsia.
• It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
• People suffering from asthma have also benefited from the use of damiana tea.
• Mood swings and depression have also been treated with damiana tea.
•  bronchitis and ear-nose-throat problems can be treated with the regular consumption of damiana tea.
• It has proved to be beneficial in fighting menstrual problems.
• It helps in enhancing sexual stimulation in both sexes.
• It helps in increasing the energy levels and thereby also combat lethargy.

Side Effects of Damiana Tea
A part from numerous damiana tea benefits, there are some rare side effects that may appear. If high doses of damiana are taken, it can cause diarrhea, which can eventually lead to dehydration. It has been said to change blood sugar levels. Hence people suffering from high blood sugar levels should be cautious before they take the tea. People suffering from kidney diseases, may want to refrain from the consumption of damiana tea. Very high dose of the tea can also cause disorientation, dizziness, headache and also insomnia. It is recommended, that pregnant women, should NOT consume damiana tea, as the effect of the herb on pregnancy is not yet thoroughly examined.

Damiana Tea Recipe
Ingredients

• Damiana Tea 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons
• Water 1 cup
• Raw Honey (optional) 1 teaspoon
• Lemon Wedges (or Lemon Juice ½ teaspoon) 1

Method

• Boil.water in a saucepan
• Place damiana tea leaves in a coffe mug, then pour the boiled water on the leaves.
• Cover the cup and let the tea leaves steep into the water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain the tea and add raw honey to it.
• Garnish the tea with lemon wedges or add lemon juice to the tea for the additional flavor.

Now it's time to make damiana tea and enjoy it. However, do not drink it in excess. Or it is suggested to consult your health care professional before consuming it..

READ MORE - Use Damiana Tea For Traditional Medicines