Among alternative treatments for infertility, the use of traditional herbs like damiana has emerged as a preferred option. Damiana is widely used for treating various kinds of infertility-inducing factors, along with improving the overall sexual health of men and women.
Damiana Basics
Damiana is an ancient herb, known mainly for its aphrodisiac qualities. Its origins are traced back to the historic civilizations of Central America. It is used in various forms for treating male and female infertility across Asia and in Europe. However, its usage for treating female infertility is more predominant. Its use has also been documented in the Mexican style of alternative treatment.
Now, the damiana shrub is locally grown in many nations, including the United States. Damiana shrub is included under the Turneraceae family for botanical classification purposes. It is also called the Tuner microphylla plant. Other nomenclatures used to define damiana include:
- Bourrique
- Herba de Pastora
- Oreganillo
- Mexican holly
- Old Woman's Broom
- Mexican damiana
Hormonal Action
Damiana contains some special biochemical likes arbutins and tannins. Damiana also contains traces of beta-sitosterol that is one of the most potent Phytosterols of the plant kingdom. These compounds have a slight effect on the neurotransmitters produced by the brain which in turn controls the manner in which hormones are secreted. Damiana is known to augment the hormonal secretion among both the sexes. In men, it is known to raise the testosterone levels and in women, it stimulates regulation of critical reproductive hormones like progesterone. This makes it particularly useful for menopausal women who are trying to conceive.
Nutrition
Damiana is a very nutritious plant. It contains some rare compounds that are commonly found in over-the-counter supplements recommended for people diagnosed with infertility. Damiana contains many kinds of volatile oils and compounds called gonzalitosin and flavonoids. Damiana also contains glycosides and thymol along with trace amounts of phosphorus. The fragrance of damiana is due to a compound called terpene that also adds to damiana shrub’s nourishing nature. This blend of nutrients makes damiana a revitalizer for the sexual health of men and women.
Neurological Action
Damiana is widely regarded as a natural nerve tonic that is known to calm the nerves and harmonize the psychological imbalances that might be causing the excessive/deficient secretion of fertility hormones. Damiana helps to fight mental exhaustion which in turn alleviates the stress levels in an individual. This effect of damiana is regarded parallel to acting as a euphoria-inducing agent. Damiana is also an aphrodisiac. When consumed in slightly high quantities, it helps to sustain the libido for a longer period. The increased libido further stimulates the greater secretion of fertility hormones. In men, damiana has been used to sustain erection for a longer period.
Internal Cleansing
This effect of damiana is more pronounced in women where their menstrual and ovulation cycles are often impaired by internal problems like increased toxicity. Reasons vary from the presence of internal, undiagnosed infection to a toxic colon that disrupts a menstrual cycle. Here, damiana acts like a natural cleanser. Its high concentration of antioxidants and its ability to fight inflammation make it a perfect healing agent for curing internal toxicity that is seldom diagnosed during conventional, medical tests. Damiana is an established urinary astringent agent. It can de-clog and detox the genito-urinary tract among women that is often the source of infection that later lead to uterine fibroids or other complications that impair ovulation.
Clinical Status
Damiana has received some degree of recognition for its infertility-curing capabilities from some resources like the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and U.S. Department of Agricultural Research. Though damiana doesn’t present substantial side-effects, it is always better to seek a professional medical opinion before starting its regular use.
