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Using the Herbal Aphrodisiac Damiana to Enhance Fertility

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Are you one of the many people who feel trying to conceive has become a chore? When conception efforts become passionless, it is time to consider getting some help!

Hormone imbalance, stress, emotions, and even the anxiety of having to plan intercourse during your fertile window each cycle can all be daunting and leave you anything but wanting to have sex. An herb with the nickname “shirt remover”, indicating its primary role as an herbal aphrodisiac, may be an herb to consider to help you and your partner ignite a passionate spark once again. This herb is Damiana.

Damiana, Turnera diffusa or T. aphrodisiaca, is a small shrub with aromatic leaves and bright yellow flowers that have the scent of figs. Damiana leaves provide its medicine. The leaves are harvested when Damiana is in full bloom and then dried. Damiana is found throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. The leaves contain a number of medicinal elements that have been found to directly stimulate the nerves, increase blood circulation to the genitals, and possibly enhance metabolism.

Health Benefits of Damiana

Damiana is a tonic, mild antidepressant, and central nervous system stimulant most commonly used as an herbal aphrodisiac for low libido, depression and anxiety especially around love making, and even menstrual cycle irregularities. Damiana has also been used in cases of loss of libido due to sexual trauma, lack of sexual desire and pleasure, and impotence. In Ayurveda, an herbal aphrodisiac is believed to be able to invigorate the sexual organs.

While Damiana is touted for its ability to boost libido and help you get in the baby-making mood, many herbalists know it first and foremost as a nervine tonic or nervous trophorestorative, which means it is a nutritive herb that restores the nervous system correcting its weakness and deficiency over time (not simply through temporary stimulation of the nerves). By nourishing the nervous system, calming the nerves, and supporting an increase in blood flow throughout the body, including the reproductive organs, many people experience an increased desire for sexual intimacy.

Damiana’s History of Use

Ancient Mayan recordings share that Damiana was used as an aphrodisiac and there are reports of Mexican Indians drinking damiana leaf tea (with a little added sugar) to enhance lovemaking.

Damiana has long been used by herbalists. Over 100 years ago, scientific literature first recorded damiana as having aphrodisiac effects in association with improving both male and female sexual function. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia cites indications for the use of Damiana for “anxiety neurosis with a predominant sexual factor, depression… and coital inadequacy.” German herbalists used the leaves as a tonic for the hormonal and central nervous systems to relieve “excess mental activity and nervous debility…” and even the United States National Formulary listed Damiana leaf and elixirs in it from 1888 until 1947.

Damiana can be used by both men and women for improved sexual function, but here are specific fertility issues in which both may consider using this herb…

For women, scientific reports state Damiana…

  • may help reduce hot flashes (reports are anecdotal)
  • when used for long periods of time, may increase the herb’s potency in the body and help to regulate sex hormones in women

Two products that contain Damiana specific for women to consider learning more about are:

  • Conceptions Tea, an herbal blend designed to support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
  • FertiliCare Phase 1 & 2, liquid herbal formulas designed to support general reproductive health throughout your monthly fertility cycle.

For men, Damiana may support:

  • impotence
  • spermatorrhea which is a condition of excessive, or accidental ejaculation and even the fatigue and lack of energy a man can experience from excessive ejaculation.

“A clinical study involving 1,000 men in the United States and Europe indicates that the herb can relieve erectile failure in attempts at repeated intercourse after orgasm. A combination of Damiana and muira puama is associated with an increased frequency of intercourse, morning erections, and stability of the erection during intercourse.”

Traditional Suggested Use of Damiana:

It is believed that Damiana must be used consistently for several weeks before an effect is noticed.

Infusion: 1 cup 2-3 times a day
Liquid Extract (tincture): 2-4ml two times a day
Capsule: 2-4g (2000-4000mg) two times a day

Contraindications:
Damiana has demonstrated mild hypoglycemic effects in animals. Persons with diabetes and hypoglycemia should speak with their healthcare provider if interested in trying Damiana.
Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: There have been none reported, however, it may potentiate antidiabetic medications.

Damiana may be an herb to consider if baby making has become a regimented, scheduled chore. You deserve to still have the energy and desire to want to connect on an intimate level with your partner no matter how long you have been trying to conceive. Thankfully, herbalists long ago realized the potential of this fertility herb and we are able to share this information with you today.

References

  • Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Associations botanical safety handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Arletti R1, Benelli A, Cavazzuti E, et al. Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual-behavior of male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1999 Mar;143(1):15-9: Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/13071546_Stimulating_property_of_Turnera_diffusa_and_Pfaffia_paniculata_extracts_on_the_sexual_behavior_of_male_rats
  • David Winston and Steven Maimes. Adaptogens; Herbs for Strength , Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, Vermont, 2007.
  • Sonya. (n.d.). Herbosophy – Damiana. Retrieved from http://www.herbosophy.com.au/damiana/
  • Cleversley, K. (2013, February 14). Turnera diffusa – Damiana Leaf. Retrieved from: http://entheology.com/plants/damiana-leaf-turnera-diffusa/
  • Rose, K. (n.d.). Exploring Herbal Actions + Trade Terminology; Terms of the Trade. Retrieved from: https://wildlingsherbary.com/terms-of-the-trade-actions-lingo/
  • Taylor, L., ND. (n.d.). The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs – Damiana. Retrieved from: http://www.rain-tree.com/damiana.htm#.VDrdzldabIU
  • Mitchell, W (2003). Plant Medicine in Practice. Churchill Livingstone
  • Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca. Retrieved from: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca
  • Zava, D. T., Dollbaum, C. M., & Blen, M. (1998). Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, and Spices. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 217(3), 369-378. doi:10.3181/00379727-217-44247 Retrieved from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-217-44247

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About the Author

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Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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View

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
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1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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View

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👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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View

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Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
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It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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