Archive for the 'Damiana Leaf' Category
If you are ever alone and snowed in, (just like I was this whole weekend when it snowed for a continous 24 hours), don’t eat any hot peppers. Whether they are chile, jalapeno or habanero peppers, these vegetables contain capsaicin, a plant chemical that helps speed up blood flow and spur an endorphine release similar to what the body experiences when sexually aroused. Cayenne, jalapeno, chile and habanero peppers can all heat up your sex drive right away. Therefore, that is why I advise everyone to stay away from these “hot” spicy babies unless you can reach out and touch your significant loved one in intense moments of passion. The capsaicin in these peppers also wards off infection and boosts your immune system.
Another powerful botanical remedy for a flailing libido is damiana leaf. It comes from a shrub which is native to Mexico and has been used by the Mayan population to enhance relationships by improving sexual responsiveness. Certain plant compounds in the damiana leaf may offer libido-boosting effects much like those of progesterone, a female hormone involved in regulating sex drive.
Damiana may decrease blood sugar and deliver low levels of cyannide-like compounds, so avoid high doses of damiana and stick to short-term use until researchers find out more about damiana’s safety. We do not know much about any side effects of this powerful herb. Damiana does help reduce anxiety levels and lift mood to more positive elevations.
Always check with your primary care physician before you start using this and other herbs on a regular, ongoing basis. This information has been taken from the book entitled “The Inside-Out Diet”, written by Dr. Cathy Wong, a naturopathic doctor. Resource: Body and Soul Magazine, September, 2009 edition. A Martha Stewart publication.
Damiana may enhance sexual stimulation in both sexes. It may counter impotence for men and frigidity in women. Damiana can be consumed as a tea. It is also found as a potent extract in capsule form. Its scientific name is Turnera aphrodisiaca. Damiana has an aroma similar to chamomile.
Damiana has several other benefits:
- it increases energy and fights lethargy.
- it fights asthma.
- it balances mood swings and fights depression.
- it counters neurosis.
- it lowers blood sugar.
- it helps ease menstrual disorders.
- it helps to suppress coughs and it may help in fighting bronchitis.
As a psychoactive substance, damiana
contains the following bio-chemical properties:
- volatile oils
- flavinoids
- gonzalitosin
- arbutin
- tanins
- damianin
- thymol
- cyanogenic glycosides
- essential oils
- trace amounts of phosphorous
Many content and happy couples continue to use damiana for a life of shared intimacy and closeness.
Frigidity is defined as the inability to experience pleasure from sexual intercourse. It is characterized by a lack of sexual desire and a general lack of responsiveness during sex. Frigidity is a term used most often to describe sexual dysfunction in women. Frigidity is often a result of psychological origins; rampant with anxiety , fear, guilt and depression about sex. Chronic illness, certain medications, low testosterone levels and specific medical conditions can also greatly diminish sexual desire. The following herbs can help restore sexual function:
- Wild yam conatins a natural steroid known as DHEA that rejuvenates and brings excitement to love making. It should be taken for two weeks, then stopped for two weeks, with repetition of this pattern.
- Chives contain minerals necessary for the manufacturing of sex hormones.
- Kava Kava has a deeply mellowing effect and can be effective for decreasing anxiety and symptoms of nervousness.
- Damiana is one of the most popular of plant aphrodisiacs. It is known as the women’s sexual herb. It’s scientific name is Turnera aphrodisiaca. It contains important alkoloids that directly stimulate the nerves and organs and it acts almost like testosterone. Damiana is excellent for enhancing sexual pleasure because it supports the sexual organs and their functions. To use damiana properly, place a dropful of damiana extract under your tongue an hour or two before sexual activity. It can take several days until one feels the difference.
- Some other herbs which are great for promoting increased sexual energy include fo-ti, gotu kola, sarsaparilla, saw palmetto and Siberian ginseng. Take caution never to use Siberian ginseng if you have hypertension, hypoglycemia or a heart condition. *Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid damiana and all other herbs.
One of the newest products to hit the natural remedy market is Damiana, but many people are still unfamiliar with its basic characteristics. In its most basic, natural form, Damiana is a shrub that can be found everywhere from the Caribbean and Mexico to Central and South America. The shrub itself produces flowers followed by fruit that has often been compared to the fig. In today’s market, it is most often presented as Damiana leaf, which is then made into a tea. This practice, however, is nothing new.
For centuries, the native communities of South America as well as Central America have been reported as drinking this Damiana tea for its purported properties as an aphrodisiac. As an alternative medicine (or herbal supplement), it has been said to help alleviate some of the ill effects associated with depression, common coughs, constipation, and more. Damiana is also known as an ingredient in Triple Sec, and some people even report smoking Damiana to achieve a relaxed state.