damiana

What is the most important information I should know about damiana?

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.

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.

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.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using damiana?

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.

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.

If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking damiana at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

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?

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 are the possible side effects of damiana?

• 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.

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.

Where can I get more 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.