What Is Damiana Herb?
Damiana is an herb that’s been used in native American folk medicine for centuries. Modern supplements have started adopting Damiana into their formulas, but is this herb worth including?
Damiana is used primarily in aphrodisiac products and weight loss supplements. There has been some clinical evidence that Damiana has been put to good use in these kinds of formulas.
Aphrodisiac Use
Though more human testing needs to be done, Damiana has been shown in a variety of animal tests to increase sexual activity among males who were before impotent or sexually exhausted. Many products thus use Damiana as an ED treatment or as an ingredient to stimulate sexual desire. With its ability to raise libido, some postulate that Damiana may help increase or maintain testosterone levels. Some experts suspect that it may inhibit the aromatase enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen.
Weight Loss Application
Though many products may tell you different, Damiana does not have weight loss properties on its own. Unless you see it combined with Guarana and Yerba Mate, it will yield no benefits. But together, these three ingredients can slow gastric emptying. What does this mean? It means that this mix can help food stay in the stomach longer, keeping you full and satisfied for a longer amount of time. This effect has been observed and measured with ultrasounds in legitimate clinical studies. By prolonging the feeling of fullness, dieters can eat less, take in less calories, and store less fat. One study showed that average subjects lost around 11 pounds over a 45 day period.
The Conclusion
While more evidence is needed to support its aphrodisiac benefits, its power to help people lose weight is well supported. As with almost any ingredient, Damiana must be used correctly for it to yield results. If you expect to lose weight, make sure the formula you use also contains Guarana and Yerba Mate.