Apart
from making tea, this herb is also used in traditional Mexican liqueur. Its
leaves are also smoked, which is said to produce a calm and euphoric effect on
the body and mind. Damiana Gains Libido One of its main constituents is active
alkaloids, which may have a testosterone-like effect in the body. Hence, this
herb is used as an aphrodisiac to stimulate and boost libido, and treat
impotency in both men and women. A study carried out in potent and impotent
male rats, found that, its leaf extract improved the mating behavior of
sexually sluggish and impotent male rats, but no difference was seen in potent
male rats. It is presumed to be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction in
men. Testosterone A research conducted by the US Department of Agriculture
(USDA), pointed that damiana leaves are likely to raise testosterone levels. A
nitrogen alkaloid in this herb behaves like the male hormone testosterone. In
vitro trials also point that, the extracts of this herb curb the aromatase
enzyme (reason for testosterone conversion to estrogen), and causes the muscles
to smoothen and relax. Menstruation This herbal leaf has been proved to be
useful in relieving painful menstruation and other hormonal troubles, as it has
a normalizing and balancing effect on the hormones. It also aids in relieving
symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats. It is considered that damiana has
phytohormonal compounds, which keep the hormones balanced, and fortifies the
reproductive organs in women. Blood Glucose and Anti-inflammatory Agent In
1984, Mexican scientists documented damiana's hypoglycemic properties.
Later,
in the same year, a study was published in Mandro RX the December edition of the Journal
of Ethnopharmacology, which stated that this herbal leaf might help in lowering
the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Damiana has an antiulcerogenic
effect, which increases the secretion of gastric mucus, and thereby is also
known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It even acts as an astringent and
detoxifies the urinary tract disease, which must have been preexistent within
the genitourinary system. Depression and Restiveness Inadequate flow of blood
may lead to lethargy and chronic exhaustion. In such a case, this herb may aid
in rejuvenating vitality. Damiana is believed to have anti-depressant
properties, and hence, it is considered as a tonic for the central nervous
system. It is used as a central nervous system depressant to alleviate conditions
like anxiety, nervousness, and depression. Apart from these, this herb also
helps to increase metabolism, relieve cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It is a
natural laxative, and hence, can aid in ensuring regular bowel movements.
Therefore, people suffering from constipation may find this herb quite
beneficial. Damiana Fallouts The side effects are usually not serious in
nature, and are experienced when the herb or its extract is consumed in excess.
An overdose may cause mild indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. The herb contains
a compound called arbutin, which is a glycoside compound, and is converted to
hydroquinone in the urinary tract. Excess of hydroquinone can cause nausea,
vomiting, and tinnitus. Many a time, the presence of a significantly large
amount of hydroquinone in the urinary tract can also lead to convulsions. It
can affect the blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients should be cautious
while consuming this herb.
They should consult their physician regarding its
usage, and also need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels while taking
it. People smoking it for recreational purposes may experience irritation in
the lung tissues, and also have headaches. Smoking damiana can also affect the
oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This herb's prolonged and continuous
usage can eventually affect the absorption of iron in the body. Hence,
individuals taking this herb must monitor their iron levels at regular
intervals. It has also been observed that its usage might lead to weight loss
in few people. Certain people can be allergic to this herb, and may experience
symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, hives, skin rash, unusual
swelling of the face, tongue and the lips, and breathing difficulty, after
ingesting its leaves. In addition to these, other possible side effects are
insomnia, low blood sugar, and irritation of the urethral mucosa. The effects
of damiana on children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women have not
been established. Therefore, these individuals should never use this herb
without the permission of their health care provider. The usual or traditional
way to take damiana is to prepare a tea with its leaves, which can be prepared
by infusing the dried leaves in boiling water. However, before using it for
medicinal purposes, it is better to have a discussion with a herbalist or
health care provider about the appropriate dosage, the preparation method, and
the kind of precautions that have to be maintained while taking it. This would
help avoid any of the unwanted side effects of this herb. Dianabol, presently
known as methandrostenolone is an orally administered steroid. Its basic
purpose is to increase the testosterone level in the body by increasing the
protein level.
It is a C-17 alpha alkylated steroid. Low amounts of this
steroid, under the proper administration of a medical practitioner and with
proper training does not have any noticeable negative impact on the body. This
steroid however, has a very powerful androgenic and anabolic effect. This
effect varies from one individual to another. Among its positive effects are
the nitrogen balance and the great build up of muscle mass. Among its negative
effects are liver, heart, and psychological problems. Liver Problems Being
hepatotoxic, Dianabol poses a potential threat to the liver. Even very small
doses taken on a regular basis can cause the liver values of the user to
increase. Steroids falling under the C-17 alpha alkylated category, cannot be
deactivated very easily by the liver. The body's metabolism increases, but the
liver's metabolism to deactivate the steroid continues to remain the same.
Hence, the proportionality is lost. Prolonged exposure to large quantities of
these steroids can cause liver damage and even some forms of liver cancer.
Cardiovascular Problems A sudden increase in body weight and metabolism results
into a series of cardiovascular problems. The heartbeat rate and pressure
increases causing a threat to the heart. Dianabol also increases the
cholesterol levels in the body. Problems Related to Male Reproductive System
The basic purpose for taking in Dianabol as already mentioned, is to increase
the testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone at a later stage, converts to
estrogen. Estrogen is a female hormone that is undoubtedly present in a small amount
in males too.
However, its increase in males causes a variety of problems like
fatigue, loss of muscle tone, and increased body fat. One of the most severe
problems that this increased level of estrogen, can cause is gynecomastia. Loss
of libido, sexual functioning, and an enlarged prostate are some other side
effects of Dianabol affecting the male reproductive system. Psychological
problems Dianabol suddenly brings in an extreme enthusiasm to its user making
him very high-spirited. The impact has its positive effects, like sportsmen
giving in more hours of practice. However, this shifting of mood from the
normal behavior causes a variety of psychological problems. Sportsmen have
often been reported of fighting outside the sports arena and causing a public
nuisance under the influence of this steroid. Other Side Effects Besides
estrogen the other byproduct of testosterone conversion is dihydrotestosterone.
The increase in dihydrotestosterone affects hair growth on the body, face, and
scalp. Dianabol also stimulates the sebaceous gland, causing acne and pimples
on the chest, face, neck, back, and shoulders of the user. It is thus always
advisable that Dianabol is not the right choice for an individual whose body
reacts very easily to steroids. A variety of preventive steps should also be
taken by the user. The amount of water intake for a dianabol user should be
approximately 2 to 3 gallons per day. This helps in making the liver metabolism
proportional to the increased body metabolism. Antihypertensive drugs such as
catapressin should always be kept in hand to relieve a person immediately from
any psychological fits that may occur. Regular check-ups from a medical
practitioner is very important, to check that the byproducts of testosterone
conversion do not increase.
Sportsmen who want to use dianabol should in fact
first try some milder anabolics and observe their body response to the same
before shifting over. Anabolic steroids became popular among athletes because
of their performance enhancing qualities. Even bodybuilders used these steroids
extensively in the 1970s and 80s to get great results. Anabolic steroids are
synthetic substances which have properties similar to the male sex hormone,
testosterone. Prohormones are precursors to hormones, and when they are
introduced in the body they are converted into anabolic hormones. Bodybuilders
have been known to use prohormones in their routine to build lean body mass.
Prohormones and steroids are supplements which claim to increase your
performance and muscle size. Steroids are produced in the body naturally and
they promote growth and development of our body. The use of techniques like
stacking and pyramiding while taking growth supplements is a common practice to
counteract the side effects of prohormones and steroids. Stacking is a
technique when the users take supplements orally as well as in the injectable
form, this is believed to improve the effectiveness. Pyramiding is when the
supplements are used for a period of 4-6 weeks and then stopped for a while
before restarting.
Prohormones When introduced in the body, prohormones mix
with the liver enzymes and get converted to anabolic hormones. These converted
anabolic hormones are known as anabolic steroids, which can be supplemented
directly by taking anabolic steroid supplements. This is the main difference
between prohormones and steroids, the effectiveness of the dosage of
prohormones is dependent on the enzymes present in the body. Prohormones are
synthetically produced compounds which are used by bodybuilders to build muscle
mass. These are precursors to hormones like testosterone and
dihydrotestosterone, and have been found to be effective by many bodybuilders.
Nowadays, the term prohormone is used to cover new age products which are
independent in supporting growth and do not have to rely on the enzymes present
in the body for conversion.
