Damiana herb tea has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of medical conditions, most commonly constipation and low libido. The herb itself is quite gentle and lends itself well to the tea medium. Dried leaves to make tea can be obtained from natural health stores or purchased online. The following recipe yields about 1 cup of damiana herb tea.
Benefits:
Many benefits are provided by taking the herb. Traditionally, it was used as an aphrodisiac, though modern science supports this as well. Recent tests show that taking damiana herb tea on a regular basis increases sperm count, increases the strength of the eggs, and improve blood flow and stimulation. The herb is also a mood balancing agent, that boosts the overall feel and brings a general feeling of well-being.
Herb
It has also been shown to regulate hormonal imbalances in women during menopause. Damiana also boosts energy and reduces the detrimental effects of exhaustion. Additional uses include being a laxative, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic and cough suppressant. If you can't find a reason to take this herb, you aren't looking hard enough.
Making the Tea:
The process of making the tea is simple, and is similar to making tea from traditional tea leaves. However, using dried leaves makes it more difficult than simply soaking tea bags in water. Begin by adding two large teaspoons of dried damiana leaves to a clean coffee mug. In a small saucepan, heat one cup of water to a boil, and then pour it into the mug over the damiana leaves.
Allow the tea to steep in the mug for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the flavor and essence of the tea leaves is being extracted into the water. After this time has passed, strain the tea into another clean coffee mug and discard the excess tea leaves. Drink the warm tea immediately for optimal health benefits.
You can improve the flavor of the damiana herb tea by adding a number of different ingredients. Adding a teaspoon of pure honey, for instance, will sweeten the flavor substantially. However, granulated or refined sugar should never be used as this can be detrimental to the healing components of the tea. Otherwise, a small amount of lemon juice can be added if desired.
Side Effects:
Though damiana can be taken in large quantities with no real detrimental effects, the long term effects are yet to be tested. Damiana herb tea should not be consumed by pregnant women or by children under the age of 13. Additionally, people suffering from diabetes should not take this herb. Always consult a doctor or herbalist prior to consuming any type of herb on a regular basis.
Caryn Windfield is a certified aromatherapist and expert in the field of alternative medicine, specializing in simple herbs and essential oils. Find out more about damiana herb tea by visiting her home remedies website.