What is damiana?
The use of damiana in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Damiana is also known as Turnera diffusa, Mexican damiana, old woman's broom, and herba
de la pastora.
Damiana has been used as an aphrodisiac, to treat headaches, and to aid in the control of bed
wetting.
Damiana has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of damiana may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were 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 have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you
-
take a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels
such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide
(Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone
(Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;
-
have a history of breast cancer;
-
have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or schizophrenia;
-
have Alzheimer's disease; or
-
have Parkinson's disease.
The use of damiana may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Before taking damiana, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Damiana may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether damiana will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether damiana will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of damiana by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take damiana?
The use of damiana in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take damiana, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of damiana with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of damiana with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of damiana may be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of damiana at the
same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of damiana.
Store damiana as directed on the package. In general, damiana should be protected from light.
What happens if I miss a dose of damiana?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of damiana. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about damiana?
Your pharmacist has information about damiana written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of damiana?
Although rare, allergic reactions to damiana may occur. Stop taking damiana and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you
-
take a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels
such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide
(Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone
(Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;
-
have a history of breast cancer;
-
have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or schizophrenia;
-
have Alzheimer's disease; or
-
have Parkinson's disease.
The use of damiana may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Damiana has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of damiana may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking damiana?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking damiana, unless otherwise
directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you take a medicine to treat
diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase,
Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone
(Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others. Damiana may interfere with the
control of blood sugar levels.
Interactions between damiana and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional
before taking damiana if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of damiana?
