Damiana
Generic name: damiana [ dah-mee-AH-na ]
Drug class: Herbal products
What is damiana?
Damiana is a plant also known as Damiana Aphrodisiaca, Feuille de Damiane, Herba de la Pastora, Houx Mexicain, Mizibcoc, Old Woman's Broom, Oreganillo, Rosemary, Thé Bourrique, Turnera, Turnerae, and other names.
Damiana has been used in alternative medicine to improve mental function, or to treat headache, depression, upset stomach, constipation, or bedwetting. Damiana has also been used as an "aphrodisiac" to improve sexual satisfaction or to help with sexual problems. However, these uses have not been proven with research. Damiana may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.
It is not certain whether damiana is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Damiana should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Damiana is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Damiana may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Damiana side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using damiana and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
-
a seizure (convulsions);
-
trouble breathing;
-
fever, nausea, vomiting;
-
changes in your mental status (agitation, fear, worry, confusion, hallucinations);
-
trouble swallowing, excessive saliva, drooling;
-
loss of movement in any part of your body; or
-
painful muscle spasms or uncontrolled muscle movement.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
Ginkgo Biloba, turmeric, milk thistle
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Before using damiana, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use damiana if you have certain medical conditions.
Damiana can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar carefully. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky.
Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take damiana?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use damiana, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with damiana does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking damiana at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra damiana to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking damiana?
Avoid using damiana together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.
What other drugs will affect damiana?
Do not take damiana without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
-
insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with damiana, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.
More about damiana
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
- Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.
