What is Damiana Tea, What are its Benefits, How is it Prepared?

Tea obtained from the damiana plant, which has been used in traditional medicine from the Mayans to the present, has become popular in recent years due to its aphrodisiac effect.

Damiana, a plant unique to Mexican and Central American cultures, has a long stem. has a past. It has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is usually consumed in the form of tea! Famous for its anti-anxiety and aphrodisiac effects, damiana tea; It is especially preferred because of its benefits on sexual health. But this tea has so much more to offer!

What is Damiana?

Damiana’s scientific name is “Turnera diffusa”. It is a plant belonging to the “Turneraceae” family. Damiana, an aromatic and flowering plant species, is also known as “old lady’s broom” in some cultures. A deciduous shrub, damiana grows about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It needs well-drained soils and plenty of sun. It usually grows better in dry environments. Yellow flowers bloom until mid-summer.

Damiana; It is native to the subtropical climates of southern Texas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It also grows in parts of Africa. Damianan leaves are used for therapeutic purposes. Capsules, liquid extract and herbal teas are obtained from its leaves.

What are the Benefits of Damiana Tea?

Damiana tea provides many benefits for human health when consumed regularly. Its biochemical profile, which occurs alone or with some other herbs, has medicinal properties. It has traditionally been used to treat bladder and urinary problems. The caffeine, flavonoid and arbutin content in the leaves of the damiana plant has aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. In its structure; A flavored substance containing essential oils, tannins and resins can interact with progesterone receptors in the female body. There is some research showing that this substance may be beneficial against gynecological diseases.

Damiana tea in general;

It is an ideal herbal drink to increase energy,
Improve blood circulation,
Improve sexual stimulation,
calm the nervous system,
regulate the digestive system.

Also;

Antioxidant: Like many other plants, damiana contains many different antioxidant components.
Aphrodisiac: Although it is not known exactly how it increases sexual action There is also some evidence that the flavonoids found in the leaves of the plant have aphrodisiac effects.
Diuretic: It has a regulatory effect on the urinary and digestive systems.It is used for the treatment of all kinds of health problems, from painful menstruation to loss of appetite.

Damiana has a long history in traditional medicine. It provides energy support by reducing the symptoms of anxiety; Its laxative effect provides benefits on the digestive system.

However;

Helps relieve stress, anxiety and mild depression in both men and women; It acts as a mood stabilizer.
The mood-boosting effects are especially beneficial for mental problems associated with a sexual problem.
It has been used to treat a number of stomach complaints, including peptic ulcer.
The combination with certain herbs is thermogenic It can suppress appetite by creating an effect.
It shows important antioxidant effects beneficial to kidney mitochondria.
Antioxidant potential; It provides protection against a number of diseases caused by oxidative damage, including problems such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
It has been used as an herbal remedy for headaches, vaginal dryness, delaying menopause, and asthma.

Important note: Damiana; It is suitable as a tonic due to both its calming and energizing properties.

However, it is recommended to consume 1 cup per day in the first days to see how the body reacts to the properties of this tea.

The Effects of Damiana Tea on Sexual Health

Some scientific research has focused on the damiana plant and indirectly on the aphrodisiac effect of damiana tea. One of its Latin names is “Turnera aphrodisiaca” due to its aphrodisiac properties. This herb contains important properties for sexual health. It is popular in the world with this feature. It can offer alternative treatment for sexual dysfunctions.

We can list the important effects for sexual health as follows;

Therapeutic properties of the plant can be effective in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
It acts as a sexual stimulant that enhances pleasure by enhancing libido.
It is prescribed as a herbal solution for impotence, especially in men. It is effective against male impotence, also called “erectile dysfunction”.
It facilitates erection by increasing blood flow to the genital area during sexual stimulation.
It has a similar effect on women and increases blood circulation in the genital area and sensitivity of the clitoris. .It acts as a nerve stimulant for the reproductive organs. This feature helps to balance hormones; It helps to increase fertility in men and women.
Helps strengthen the ovaries in women and supports the development of healthy eggs. It is recommended to be consumed at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.

What are the Side Effects of Damiana Tea?

Damiana tea is generally considered a safe tea when consumed at normal levels. It can reduce blood sugar levels in connection with its excessive consumption. This side effect is seen as the most important complication. Due to this feature, it can interact with some diabetes and blood sugar control drugs. For this reason, it can be dangerous for people with hypoglycemia or diabetes. It is recommended that people with these problems consult a doctor before consuming damiana tea.

Other than that, it can cause the following side effects;

Consumption of high doses may cause nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears and seizures.
The effect of damiana tea on blood sugar may cause problems in people who will undergo surgery.The usual recommended daily dosage is 2 to 4 grams of dried damiana leaves! It is recommended to start with a low dosage in the first days of consumption to avoid unexpected side effects or reactions.

How to Prepare Damiana Tea?

Preparing damiana tea is relatively easy; but it may take some time.

The following method is ideal for Damiana tea;

Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry damiana leaves.
Put in a teapot or coffee mug.
Pour boiled water over the leaves.
Let it steep for at least 15 minutes.
Strain the tea into a glass and discard the leaves.
You can add a fresh lemon to add flavor.
Honey or sweetener can also be added if you prefer.

For Damiana tea The following information may also be useful to you;

The tea form of damiana is lighter and suitable for daily consumption.
Damiana is a highly aromatic plant. Its flowery taste is clearly felt in the tea.
It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It is noted to have a cannabis-like odor and taste.
The flavor profile of Damiana tea can be diversified by mixing it with other herbs and sweeteners.
Damiana tea can often be mixed with mullein or passion flower.

The damiana plant has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries by the Mayan Indians of Mexico. It has been prescribed as a natural aphrodisiac for both men and women.

Damiana is widely used to sweeten herbal teas and liqueurs in Mexico.
The export of damiana, which has an important place in Mexican culture, has been banned for a while.
Damiana plant contains ingredients that mimic the effects of cannabis. It can gain drug properties.
The deadly chemical substance known as “homemade bonsai” also contains damiana leaf. In the US state of Louisiana, it is designated as a “forbidden plant” by law.
It may take time to get used to the taste of Damiana tea; however, it can be consumed in harmony with some other herbs.
The use of damiana as a herbal medicine dates back to pre-written history. There is some documentation that indigenous cultures used this herb for centuries as an aphrodisiac and bladder tonic when the Spanish crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Damiana can be found in powder or sachet form in food and herbal product stores.

A final note: The damiana herb and tea are sold in herbal stores, especially considering its many benefits, from its effects on sexual health to the treatment of diabetes.

Although there is no serious scientific study to support these claims, it has been and will continue to be used by many people today as it has been for years! .