Damiana Tea
A Potent Aphrodisiac and Health Tonic
A plant that has been said to act as a natural aphrodisiac, damiana also has shown a number of other health benefits. It grows naturally throughout the Southwestern region of the United States, as well as in many parts of Mexico. Its use as a medicinal remedy dates back to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, where it was used as an aphrodisiac. Damiana tea can also be used as a more general health tonic, not only for issues related to sexuality. Some doctors and herbalists advise that it be used for depression and anxiety as well, for example. However, before taking damiana it's a good idea to first examine what it has been used for in the past.
Although the full health implications of damiana tea have not been proven definitively in clinical trials, there have been a number of animal studies that have shown that ingesting damiana improved the sexual or mating behaviors of rats and other animals. This was only in the case of those that had been sluggish in the past, however, and in the case of those rats that were already exhibiting normal sexual health behaviors, there was no change with the use of damiana. The implication for humans then would be to only drink this tea if you need a pick-me-up in this department.
In terms of its aphrodisiac power, damiana tea has been shown in studies to slow down the digestive process, instead rushing oxygen to the genital regions of both men and women. This can then help women become lubricated and achieve orgasm, and can help men maintain an erection, for better sexual performance. The damiana plant is made up of a variety of different essential oils and minerals, including phosphorus, tannins, and flavonoids, which might also help explain its myriad benefits.
Aside from promoting sexual health in both men and women, drinking damiana tea can help with other health issues as well. It has been shown to help increase general energy levels, control irritable bowel syndrome, and improve asthma symptoms. Women who suffer from severe menstrual symptoms each month also claim to find relief with the ingestion of this tea, as well, perhaps for the same reasons that it helps with sexual dysfunction. Although more testing is necessary to determine just how exactly damiana works and who it is best suited for, at the moment the initial studies have been extremely promising, making this an ideal solution as an aphrodisiac at home.