Overview

Damiana is a plant called Turnera diffusa. The leaf of the plant is used to make teas and dietary supplements. Damiana is often marketed for general wellness and to improve overall health. However, very little research has been done to study damiana, and its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking damiana, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is damiana used for?

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is used to improve overall health, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: As a food flavoring, damiana is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Learn more about GRAS status here. The FDA has not reviewed damiana supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does damiana work (mechanism of action)?

Damiana is a plant called Turnera diffusa. Teas and dietary supplements that contain damiana are usually made from the leaf of the plant.

Herbal products, like damiana, naturally contain many different chemicals. But it is unclear if or how these chemicals may affect the body. Very little research has been done to understand the effects of damiana. Its benefits and risks are not well defined.

The amounts of each chemical in a specific damiana product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store damiana?

You should store damiana according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of damiana?

There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by damiana. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of damiana that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of damiana?

While less common, the most serious side effects of damiana are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Damiana may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking damiana and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use damiana?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take damiana.

• Damiana
• Turnera diffusa
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific damiana products they stock.

What should I know about damiana before using it?

Damiana is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep damiana out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as damiana, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific damiana product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Damiana is available in many different forms, including as a liquid extract, tea, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested damiana products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using damiana?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if damiana is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how damiana could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if damiana passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does damiana interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if damiana interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does damiana interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between damiana and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with damiana is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking damiana with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much damiana?

If you or someone else has used too much damiana, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Damiana leaf is available in many different forms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take damiana safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.