It was worshipped by
the ancients of Central America from the beginning of time, but its name
derives from the Ancient Greek daman
or damia, meaning ’to tame’. Damiana
is wild, unique, but it has the power to tame and control – as if it holds the
entire universe within, yin and yang. And, above all, damiana knows how to clear
the path for the arrival of new life.
The Ancient Maya and
Aztecs, as well as their descendants today, have been using abundantly the
leaves and stem of this bushy plant, not only as an aphrodisiac, but also for
relaxation, better digestion, mood, or simply its taste, the same way we use
coffee today. It is believed to be the original ingredient of the Margarita,
and a ’Damiana Margarita’ is still a popular cocktail in Mexico. When the
Europeans learned about the medicinal properties of the plant, it was soon
included in pharmacopeias, describing it as a
plant that reduces anxiety, neurosis, reduced sexual performance caused by depression
(in Great Britain), as well as leaves suitable for a tonic that eliminates excessive mental activity and
strengthens weak nerves (in Germany).
The Maya and Aztecs
had no problem with fertility, and they lived in a pure and healthy environment
which the modern man is deprived of. One of the aspects that the unnatural pace
of life in an unhealthy, polluted environment affects the most in men is their
sex life: impotence, infertility, bad results of the spermogram (low sperm
count and motility), spermatorrhea, and sexual dysfunction. The World Health
Organization guidelines suggest that a normal sperm count is at least 15
million per ml, or no fewer than 39 million sperm per sample, of which at least
30% should be moving progressively. Oligospermia – a low sperm count, is one of
the most usual issues encountered by couples trying to conceive. The official
medicine usually treats the problem with severe medication and invasive
procedures, which are unpleasant and often without positive results, thus only
enhancing the feeling of inadequacy in men. The other problem encountered by
couples, especially those going through the frustrating IVF procedures, is a
strict sex regimen and routine that begins to feel like an imposed obligation, both
mentally and physically exhausting.
The traditional
medicine worldwide, from Mesoamerican to Chinese, uses damiana as a very potent
therapeutic agent that provides energy, improves blood circulation and brings
oxygen to cells, boosts mental prowess and annihilates depression, stimulates
testosterone production which is essential in creation and ripening of sperm,
helps preserve and renew male reproductive organs, enhances circulation of body
liquids in genitals, and is also an adaptogen, protecting the entire body from
infection, particularly the genitourinary system. Damiana enhances secretion of
urine, stimulates the kidneys to filter toxins, which is beneficial not only for
the body, but also the psyche. That is why damiana in its scientific name also
contains the word ‘aphrodisiaca’ – Turnera
diffusa var. aphrodisiaca Willd – it is an aphrodisiac that stimulates and
enhances not only the sexual desire, but also the overall energy of the body
and the mind.
A clinical trial involving
a thousand male subjects in the USA and Europe proved that damiana has the
ability to enhance erectile function in consecutive sexual intercourse
following orgasm, improve morning erection and maintain erection stability
during the intercourse. The ideal effect of the plant is achieved in long-term
use. Two clinical trials conducted on rats proved that the plant improves the
libido in tired and sluggish animals, as well as that it shows the usual
adaptogenic features – boosts the body stamina and endurance. Damiana is a man’s
best ally, however it can also be used by women, especially during
perimenopause. The ancient Aztecs even gave it to children, since it is an
excellent cure for an upset stomach, constipation, headache, excessive sweating
and lethargy.
What is it that gives
such power to damiana? The terpenes found in the oily plant extract are a
strong antioxidant that preserves the body cell structures, delays decay and
aging and protects from infections. Damiana naturally increases the levels of
nitrogen monoxide, an important vasodilator, which helps open blood vessels. In
normal circumstances, during sexual arousal, the brain signals the body to
increase the production of nitrogen monoxide. The substance relaxes the blood
vessels and enables free blood flow into the muscles and soft tissue, including
the ones in the penis. Flavonoid apigenin relaxes, reduces anxiety, but also
has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancerous properties. Damiana is a
natural aromatase inhibitor – it blocks the activity of aromatase and abnormal
estrogen production which stimulates cancer cell growth, and is used as therapy
for breast cancer in post-menopausal women, but also in gynecomastia – enlarged
breasts in men. Acacetin is another flavonoid that inhibits estrogen activity
and enhances testosterone function, and can help not only in sexual
dysfunction, but also enhance physical attraction as it can build muscle. A
total of 22 flavonoids found in damiana have a wide range of medicinal
properties, among other, to reduce inflammation, increase immunity, prevent
neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids boost longevity, help
us get slim and strong, improve cognition and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease by enhancing blood flow into the brain. Arbutin is aphenolic glycoside,
very beneficial for the kidneys and urinary tract, with diuretic and antiseptic
properties. It boosts genital circulation as it renews capillary pressure and
regulates liquid retention in tissues.
Damiana has numerous
medicinal properties which are beneficial for overall male health and
wellbeing. Whenever we lose the grip, damiana has the ability to tame and balance,
and help us regain control over our lives.
Alfa Aktiv and Femisan A are a perfect combination for couples trying to conceive.
Alfa Aktiv and Femisan A are a perfect combination for couples trying to conceive.
