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Chinese Herbs: Damiana

Damiana

Almost all the natural herbs have a special history and an exciting background be it a chinese herbs or western herbs. The majority of these herbs is being used for the last 2,000 years and is admired by one and all. Damiana or herba de la pastora is one such herbal medicine with an aromatic shrub. Damiana which is woody plant is grown in hot and humid places in central and South America and Mexico, just like various chinese herbs are grown. Like other chinese herbs the height of this plant is 1 to 2 m. This plant was first discovered in the year 1874 in the USA. Its leaves are 10 to 25 cm long and contain toothed edges. Chinese herbs have an aura of its own so is the case with this damiana plant, it smells like chamomile. It has yellow flowers and blooms in summer season.

Damiana herb has an honorable mention in ancient scriptures and has an exciting history, as is the case with Chinese herbs which is quite rich in written heritage. Traditionally the herb was being used as a tonic in an effort to improve health related problems. Ancient people claimed that this plant has an ability to improve sexual desire and enjoy them and has the potential to toughen the male sexual system. They used to smoke plant's leave in order to relax. Even nowadays, people are smoking the leaves of this plant in order to relax. Damiana is an aphrodisiac since ancient times.

It has the ability to improve the nervous system and is effective in treating sexual impotencies. More so herbalists are using this herb for tending conditions like coughs, constipation and depression also. Apart from sexual desire the ancient tribes used this herb to treat digestive and constipation problems, apart from gastric ulcers, irregularities in menstrual and even bed-wetting. Other health related problems which this plant can solve is that of Parkinson's disease, inflammation of prostrate, frigidity, emphysema, fibromyalgia, Lou Gehrig's disease etc.

Terpenes are the active ingredients which are found in damiana plant. Its supplements are available in the form of tablets, tinctures, capsules and even teas, however, the effect of the herb will take a few days to be visualized. The recommended dosage as can be founded in damiana capsule range from 400 - 800 mg which is usually taken two to three times a day. In the case of tincture ? to ? teaspoon on tincture is recommended to be taken two to three times daily. A powerful teac can also be made from the leaves of damiana plant; tea is made by putting dried herb in a cup of hot water for about fifteen minutes. As is with other chinese herbs, damiana plant is considered safe excluding some side effects, like the increase in blood sugar level, dizziness, headace, insomania, some gastrointestinal effects are also being reported. Like its counterpart the chinese herbs, damiana herb should be avoided during pregnancy. However, men and women can take damiana herb as a general tonic in their day today activity to boost their vitality.