Overview
Damanaka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for yeast infections. This common roadside herb is very warming and has an affinity for the blood and the female reproductive system. Damanaka literally means ‘subduing’ as it tames disease.
How Damanaka Helps with Yeast Infections
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Damanaka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing yeast infections:
- Potency (Virya): Heating
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
- Taste (Rasa): Astringent, bitter, pungent
- Qualities (Guna): Light, dry
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent, bitter, pungent
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, dry
- Potency (Virya)
- Heating
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- Vata, Pitta & Kapha balanced · Pitta increased
- Key Constituents
- Volatile oils Cineole, thujone, linalool, myrcene Sesquiterpene lactones Vulgarin Flavonoids Quercetin Coumarins Umbelliferone, esculetin TriterpenesշDP\ULQշVLWRVterol (Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, muscle, marrow, nerve
- Srotas
- Female reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: Caution in high pitta conditions; Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Other Herbs for Yeast Infections
See all herbs for yeast infections on the Yeast Infections page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.