Effects of Damiana on Male Sexual Prowess – Aphrodisiac for Men

There are primarily two ways by which substances reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities work to enhance a sexual experience. One is by treating medical disorders like infections of genitor-urinary tract which may have been interfering with normal sexual function and providing much-needed nutrients which pep up the various physiological including sexual functions of the body. The other is by acting directly to increase sexual desire and even the intensity of sensations felt during the sexual experience. Damiana is an instance of the latter type of aphrodisiac and one of the very few substances which have been known to directly enhance sexual prowess among men.

Damiana and its aphrodisiac properties

Damiana leaves have a long reputation of possessing remarkable aphrodisiac properties. They are obtained from a small aromatic shrub of the Turneraceae plant family which can grow up to a height of 4 to 6 feet. The shrub bears small yellow flowers that bloom in summer and then small fruits which taste somewhat like figs. Damiana used in herbal medicine may refer to two species , the Tumera diffusa and the Tumera aphrodisiaca. Both species are native to Southwest USA, the whole of Mexico and Central America.

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How Damiana works as an aphrodisiac

For centuries the ancient people of Mexico and Central America, including the Mayans and Aztecs have used Damiana leaves not only as an aphrodisiac but also as a tonic for improving their overall health. In fact, it is thought that the ancient Mayans used the herb not so much to create as to focus sexual energies and hence as a remedy of “giddy love”. Research into its composition has found that the main components of Damiana leaves and stems are volatile oils, flavonoids, gonzalitosin, arbutin, tannin and damianin. Besides these, Damiana also contains essential oils, cyanogenic glycosides, thymol and trace amounts of phosphorus. Even though the exact chemical components responsible for aphrodisiacal properties of Damiana have not been isolated, studies have shown that consuming the plant works to slow down the digestive tract and instead rushes oxygen to genital areas. This helps men to achieve erection much more easily and maintain it for longer periods of time. Yet another study claims that use of Damiana leads to greater sensitivity in the erotic zones, especially the genitals, which in turn may help a person to experience greater sexual pleasure.

Scientific studies have proved aphrodisiac qualities of Damiana

The results of the study were in fact confirmed by many cases of animal testing too. A study on rats showed that those subjects which were “sexually sluggish” or impotent became increasingly friskier after being treated with Damiana extracts. These rats increased their mating behavior and became much more virile as compared to those rats which were not given Damiana extracts. However the herb did not have any noticeable impact on rats which were already sexually healthy.

Direct effects of Damiana on the male sexual prowess

The direct effect of consuming Damiana on male sexual prowess has been recognized in scientific literature too. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia in fact recommends Damiana for treatment of "anxiety neurosis with a predominant sexual factor, depression, nervous dyspepsia, atonic constipation, and coital inadequacy." In other words, damiana has proven efficacy in alleviating problems of achieving and maintaining erection among men besides soothing anxiety symptoms rising from fears of inadequate sexual performance.

Related benefits in enhancing sexual prowess

Besides working directly to enhance sexual prowess among men, use of Damiana leaves also offers many other health benefits which may indirectly aid the healthy functioning of sex organs. For ages, Damiana has been used to treat nervous disorders since it is believed to have a positive toning effect on the nervous system. Along with this, the leaves of the herb are also used to decrease lethargy and raise energy levels, all of which are crucial in having an enjoyable sexual experience.

Yet another health benefit of Damiana leaves relates to alleviation of a range of digestive problems. Using Damiana leaves has been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome and nervous dyspepsia since it works to slow down the digestive process. While not directly affecting the sex organs, this benefit of Damiana leaves is again necessary to maintain overall health which in turn is crucial to pleasurable sex.

Using Damiana as an Aphrodisiac

The leaves of the shrub are best used for aphrodisiacal purposes and they are generally consumed in the form of tea or liqueur. Even though in theory, Damiana extract capsules and supplements contain the same therapeutic properties, most of the studies on Damiana’s reputed potent abilities have focused on the leaves. Some herbologists claim that when equal parts of Damiana leaves and Saw Palmetto berries are soaked and made into tea, the concoction is much more effective in stimulating sexual desire. This tea should be taken an hour before sexual activity and for best results continued over two weeks with once cup a day. Yet another way of consuming Damiana is by making a liqueur from its leaves. These days one can get Damiana from reputed health food or herbal remedy stores. But for those living in small towns where such stores are absent, a good option is to buy the herbal extract from online stores. However one must be careful of the reputation of the seller, since it is easy to fake herbal remedies whose sale are not in any case properly regulated.

Side effects of Damiana

Though the herb does not have any significant side effects, Damiana is believed to contain cyanogenetic glycosides and thus very high doses may lead to cyanide toxicity. Herbologists also believe that like in all cases of potent herbs, it is better for pregnant and lactating women to avoid taking Damiana.

It is important to remember that since Damiana is a naturally-occurring herb, its effectiveness as an aphrodisiac can be best ascertained only when it is used in moderation over a period of time. In fact because of the different nature of their metabolism, some people may hardly experience any noticeable results with use of Damiana herbs, while others may find the herb too potent. This is why aphrodisiac herbs like Damiana are best consumed in moderation and under qualified herbal practitioners.