DAMIANA
The ancient Mayan civilization utilized the damiana herb as a traditional aphrodisiac, and the people of Central America where the Mayan civilization was based utilize it to this day. As herbal tonic as well as an aphrodisiac, the damiana herb remains in continued use and is considered very valuable for its stimulatory action, as well as its tonic like effect on the body. It is for this reason that the herb is such a valuable remedy for people affected by a mild depression to this day - herbalists will normally suggest remedies made from this herb. The damiana herb is a very strong and aromatic herb, it has a slight bitter taste, and the leaves of the herb are used in countries such as Mexico to substitute for tea leaves and furthermore, the herb is also used as a flavoring agent for a variety of liqueurs. 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 similar to the effects induced by smoking marijuana. Women are inclined to be more highly effected by the herb, especially when used over a long period of time. Mexico produces some well known damiana liqueurs, which are subtly advertised as aphrodisiacs, these liquids contain only very minute quantities of the herb, though they are reputed to be very effective. The amount of herb infused into the liquor is sufficient to give these beverages a distinctive herbal flavor. The action of the damiana herb lies mainly in its ability to act as a tonic and as a restorative agent on the functioning of the nervous system in affected patients. In addition, the herb has a traditional reputation as an aphrodisiac agent. The tonic property of the herbal remedy is connected to the main chemical constituent, called thymol; this compound has an antiseptic and tonic action on the body. The herbal properties of damiana are 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 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. Women affected by very painful and delayed periods are usually prescribed herbal remedies made from damiana, and the herb is also used specifically for the treatment of persistent headaches which are connected to menstruation in women. Damiana possesses both a diuretic and urinary antiseptic action, it is very effective in the treatment of urinary infections, including cases of cystitis and urethritis affecting patients. The main effect of the herb comes about by the action of the chemical compound known as arbutin that is chemically converted into a form known as hydroquinone, which works as a strong urinary antiseptic, along the internal urinary tubules and results in the alleviation of the conditions. The chemical compound is also seen in a number of other useful herbs, uva-ursi is one good example. The mildly laxative action of damiana is another important property it possesses as an herbal remedy; the herb is very effective in the treatment of persistent constipation which is caused by a poor muscle tone in the bowel musculature.
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