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D
Damiana
Of all alleged aphrodisiacal herbs, damiana is perhaps the most credible, having been used for centuries by American Indians as a tonic for waging war as well as promoting more active sex. Even today, Native Americans consider damiana a powerful treatment for impotence and low libido, especially resulting from psychological or emotional problems. In Indian Herbalogy of North America, Alma Hutchens says: "The use, or administration, should be taken with care, as the claims are justified by many who know of its influence. In this case, for those who ever will, please remember that when the system is run down, overworked, subject to nervous tensions, etc., damiana often stimulates beyond the limit of our safe and healthy resources, and encouragement beyond our natural energy levels may have ill effect on the heart."
Testifying to its powers as a potent aphrodisiac. Dr. W. H. Myers of Philadelphia wrote: "I have given it quite an extensive trial in my practice, and as a result I find that in cases of partial or other sexual debility, its success is universal. I pronounce it the most effective and only remedy that in my hands had a successful result in all cases." (Source: Indian Herbalogy of North America ). More recently, in Off-the-ShelfNatural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to Stay Well, author Mark Mayell says damiana and yohimbe: "... are among the few herbs that may truly deserve to be called aphrodisiacs, in that they increase sexual desire, enhance sexual pleasure and stimulate sexual performance. Damiana grows in desert areas around the Mexican Gulf and in some parts of South America . The medicinal part, the sun-dried leaves, can be powdered and added to milk or wine and taken as a supposedly powerful love potion which has the effect of slight irritation on the urinary tract, thereby stimulating the sexual organs. The plant may also contain some alkaloids that increase sensitivity of male and female sexual organs. Some herbalists believe damiana can also increase sperm count and strengthen the male sex organs.
Use: Make a tea by adding one or two 400 mg capsules to a cupful of boiling water and take about one hour before sex.
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