the herb damiana is it dangerous?

if i smoke the herb damiana at a young age, not smoking it constantly, like maybe once or twice every couple of days is it potentially dangerous to my health?

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2 comments ↓

#1 sweetnbitter on 02.21.10 at 8:52 pm

i googled it and this is what i found, sounds like some good stuff, i think i might try some, lol

Damiana Herb: Benefits and Side Effects Of This Natural Sexual Potency Enhancer

Damiana is an herbal shrub that grows in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is known as a strong aphrodisiac with a variety of reported effects on both the hormonal and reproductive systems. It is most widely used to enhance sexual potency and is said to induce a dream-like state of euphoria that can spark sexual desire and performance.

Damiana herb has also been used as a general tonic for both men and women, particularly when hormone-related conditions are present. The herb has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects as well, particularly when sexual dysfunction is a symptom of such emotional imbalances. In addition, damiana herb is said to have diuretic and mild laxative effects.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the herb’s ability to induce a euphoric response may make it useful in helping to alleviate stress. It seems reasonable then, that people with sexual dysfunction that has roots in emotional or physical distress may respond to Damiana herb.

In Mexico, liquor made from damiana leaves has been used as an aphrodisiac since the time of the ancient Mayan civilization. Though it has not been tested in humans, animal studies support the use of damiana herb as an aphrodisiac. In one study, previously sluggish rats treated with damiana herb showed a marked increase in sexual behavior.

The active ingredients in damiana herb are substances known as terpenes. Supplements of the herb are available in capsules, tablets, tinctures and teas. The usual dosage in capsule form is 400-800 mg taken two or three times per day for capsules and ½ to ¾ teaspoon (2-3 ml) of tincture taken two to three times per day. A potent tea can be made from damiana leaves by steeping a teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of water for about fifteen minutes.

It may take a few days for the effects of damiana herb, which are usually mild, to be felt. The herb is considered safe, though some side effects have been reported. There may be a mild laxative effect from damiana herb consumption, as well as gastrointestinal effects. Blood sugar levels and kidney function can sometimes be affected by damiana herb as well. In very high doses, side effects may include disorientation, dizziness, headache or insomnia. Since its effects on the female hormonal system are not entirely understood, damiana herb should not be taken during pregnancy.

Several drug interactions are possible with the use of damiana herb. Since the herb is a substance known as an alpha 2-noradrenergic antagonist, it can interfere with prescription medications that have similar actions. These include medications to lower blood pressure and treat depression.

#2 Celestial_Beginnings on 02.21.10 at 8:54 pm

Different preparations can be made from the leaves of the Damiana herb, it can be taken in the form of an herbal tea or they can even be smoked like tobacco, the use of any of these derivatives will induce a relaxed state of mind in the individual using them. The herb will also induce a subtle kind of high tinged with sexual overtones, and the effect is a little reminiscent of the effects induced by smoking marijuana. Women are supposed to be much more highly effected by the medication especially, when they use it over a long period of time.

The herbal properties of the damiana are technically, what is known as thymoleptic – that is, they possess a life enhancing and stimulating action on the body and mind of the affected person. This herbal remedy is normally prescribed for the treatment of individuals who are suffering from mild to moderate depression, including those who are affected by any long term nervous exhaustion. Affected individuals benefit from its stimulatory and restorative properties, thus the herbal remedy is considered extremely valuable when treating disorders such as anxiety and depression, especially when these affect the person at the same time. This sort of situation often happens following long term exposure to stress.

Traditionally the damiana has been linked to disorders affecting men, largely due to its strong testosterogenic quality, hence, the herb has always been principally considered as being useful for men. It is known to be helpful in the treatment of conditions such as premature ejaculation and long term impotence in men. However, the herb is not exclusively for men and it is clearly beneficial to both sexes, men and women can take advantage of its beneficial properties, the herb is known to have a restorative effect on the reproductive organs of both sexes.

Preparation of an herbal tea from the damiana involves the addition of 250 ml or a cup of boiling water to a gram of some dried damiana leaves. The herbal leaves must be allowed to steep into the boiling water for about ten to fifteen minutes. Once sufficient time has passed, strain the herbal drink, cool it and then drink three cups of this herbal remedy, every day as a treatment for various illnesses.

The herbal tablets or herbal capsules can also be taken, dosage amounts can be 400-800 mg of either one or the other, thrice every day. The herbal remedies made from the damiana are normally never used singly. The herbal remedy is believed to be much more effective when used in combination with other herbs that have a similar or complementary activity on the human body.

I carry Damiana in half pound and pound increments. Loose Leaf for smoking/teas, including Certified Organic, and powdered for capsules. Let me know if you are interested!

Sincerely,

Celestial Beginnings (Leslie M. Crenshaw, C.Ht.)
http://celestialbeginnings.webs.com
celestialbeginnings-owner@yahoogroups.com

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