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DAMIANA Records show that damiana has long been used as a medicinal herb by various indigenous peoples, especially those native to South and Central America, including Mexico and the West Indies. It’s believed that it was utilized most for treating fatigue, the inability to exercise, low libido and reproductive dysfunction. The herb was later introduced in North America and Europe sometime around the 1860s, when it began being used in herbal medicine, mostly as a sexual tonic and libido enhancer.Historically, an herbal infusion was made with damiana leaf that was consumed as a a tea or elixir. It was made with dried leaves added to about a pint of water and consumed daily. Spanish missionaries were believed to have brewed tisanes from damiana leaves and to drink it as an aphrodisiac at night. It was also given as a natural remedy for spasms, tremors, insomnia and palpitations.A common use of damiana herb is managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, nervousness, lethargy and insomnia. It is considered to be an adaptogen herb by some researchers since it can help build the body’s defenses against stress.Damiana may help you feel more relaxed, alleviate physical symptoms tied to stress (like muscle tension or headaches) and allow you to fall asleep more easily. It is said to help improve “overall wellness” by reducing many physical symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, and improving digestion, energy, concentration and sexual desire. (5)2. Can Help Increase Libido/Sex DriveBenefits associated with damiana herb (or damiana leaf, as it’s sometimes called) include: (3)Benefits of damiana include improving libido, fighting depression and anxiety, helping with sleep, fighting infections, improving digestion and reducing pain.Increasing sexual desire and performance, while decreasing impotenceTreating constipationReducing depression, nervousness and anxietyFighting PMS symptoms, muscle aches, insomnia, headaches and painImproving digestive health and relieving constipationFighting other conditions, including anemia, diabetes, respiratory infections, fungal diseases and skin disordersDamiana has historically been known as a natural aphrodisiac because it’s said to improve sexual arousal and blood flow to the genital area. It’s believed that caffeine, arbutine and flavonoids are the main active compounds found in damiana that help with sexual function. It can help both men and women when it comes to improving libido, plus it may help reduce impotence. Another reason that damiana is considered to have aphrodisiac qualities is because it can help improve energy levels, fight chronic fatigue, reduce the effects of stress (one of the biggest killers of sex drive) and improve stamina. (6)ASTRAGALUS Astragalus is a plant within the bean and legumes family that has a very long history as an immune system booster and disease fighter. Its root has been used as an adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Although astragalus is one of the least studied immune-boosting herbs, there are some preclinical trials that showintriguing immune activity.A recent review published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that astragalus-based treatments have demonstrated significant improvement of the toxicity induced by drugs such as immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics.Researchers concluded that astragalus extract has a beneficial effect on the immune system, and it protects the body from gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.Regulates and Prevents Diabetes and Illnesses Related to DiabetesAstragalus has been studied progressively as an antidiabetic. Studies show its ability to relieve insulin resistance and treat diabetes naturally. The herb’s collection of saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides all are effective in treating and regulating type 1 and 2 diabetes. They’re able to increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin) and also act as anti-inflammatories in areas related to diabetes symptoms. (11)Kidney disease in diabetics is also a common problem, and astragalus has been used to treat kidney illness for many years. More recent studies in humans and animals have shown astragalus can slow the progress of kidney problems in diabetics and protect the renal system.ASHWAGANDHAAshwagandha is valued for its thyroid-modulating, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are just some of its many benefits.In India, it is known as the “strength of the stallion” because it traditionally has been used to strengthen the immune system after illness. It’s also been referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its ability to enhance your stamina and work as a natural stress reliever, and those aren’t the only benefits of ashwagandha.In fact, the herb’s ability to work as a stress-protective agent is what makes it so popular. Like all adaptogenic herbs, it helps the body maintain homeostasis, even in moments of emotional or physical stress.But the many ashwagandha benefits don’t stop there. This powerful herb has shown incredible results for lowering cortisol levels and balancing thyroid hormones.Plus, it’s been used for mood disorders and in the prevention of degenerative diseases, as it appears to help with these conditions as well.Balances Blood Sugar LevelsAshwagandha has been evaluated for its anti-diabetic effects, which are possible because of the presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids. Research shows that flavonoids possess hypoglycemic activities, and a study involving rodents concluded that both ashwagandha root and leaf extracts helped achieve normal blood sugar levels in diabetic rats.An animal study published in Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found that when ashwagandha was given to fructose-fed rats, it inhibited the fructose-induced increases in glucose, insulin resistance and inflammation.There have been over 200 studies on ashwagandha benefits, including the herb’s ability to:Improve thyroid functionTreat adrenal fatigueReduce anxiety and depressionReduce stressIncrease stamina and endurancePrevent and treat cancerReduce brain cell degenerationStabilize blood sugarLower cholesterolBoost immunityAs part of this 5,000-year-old system, ashwagandha herb is used as a home remedy to relieve a number of health conditions and help the body remain in balance. One of the most incredible aspects of adaptogen herbs is that they help people with thyroid problems. Ashwagandha has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, or underactive thyroid.For the millions of people who struggle with thyroid problems, many of whom don’t even know it, it may serve as the solution they’ve been waiting for. These ashwagandha health benefits for the thyroid also account for the herb’s benefits for weight loss since thyroid issues can lead to weight fluctuations.CocolmecaSmilax regeliiSmilax regelii is a perennial, trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Central America. Common names include sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla, and Jamaican sarsaparilla. It is known in Spanish as zarzaparrilla, which is derived from the words zarza, meaning "shrub", and parrilla, meaning "little grape vine".Cocolmeca is a woody climbing vine plant—that many cultures believe to be a miracle plant. It flowers, has heart-shaped leaves and its small red berries make it a favorite choice of food for birds in the winter. It is native to Central America, Jamaica Mexico and in temperate, tropical locations around the world. This is also known as the Jamaican sarsaparilla because they shares similar benefits