Damiana Side Effects
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an herb used as an aphrodisiac and remedy for erectile dysfunction. While the Food and Drug Administration classifies Damiana as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS), the herb may have some side effects.
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Nausea
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Normal use of Damiana in 2 to 4 g does not cause gastrointestinal upsets. A dose of 200 g can produce nausea and vomiting, and continued use might lead to liver toxicity. There have been reports of convulsions due to overdose of Damiana.
Diarrhea
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Damiana relaxes smooth muscle tone in the intestines, correcting constipation. Too much Damiana can cause loose stools.
Malabsorption
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Because it is rich in calcium and zinc, Damiana may interfere with iron absorption from dietary sources when taken internally for long periods of time. Iron supplements or foods taken for their iron content should not be taken at the same time as Damiana.
Respiratory
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When Damiana is smoked to get high, inhalation of burning plant substances into the lungs interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and may irritate lung tissue. It is also known to produce headache, probably due to interference with oxygenation. There is no evidence of addiction associated with Damiana.
Drug Interactions
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Damiana may lower blood sugar. Diabetics who take hypoglycemic medications should monitor blood glucose levels closely while using Damiana.
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- Photo Credit photo by M. Earhart
