DAMIANA

Damiana

Botanical Name

Turnera diffusa, syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca

Common Name

Damiana, Mexican damiana, old woman’s broom, herba de la pastora, mizibcoc

Family

Turneraceae

Parts Used

Leaves and stems

Native To

Southwestern United States, Central America, South America, and Mexico

Harvesting Guidelines

Damiana leaves and stems should be harvested when the plant is in bloom. This timing ensures that the plant has reached its optimal potency, as the blooming phase marks the peak of the plant's essential oils and medicinal compounds. Harvesting during the bloom phase allows for the best medicinal value, especially for its nervine and aphrodisiac effects.

---

Folklore and Traditional Use

Damiana has a rich history of use in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Among the Maya people, damiana was highly valued as an aphrodisiac, promoting vitality and sexual energy. It was also traditionally used by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America as a relaxing nervine, supporting both mental and emotional well-being. In fact, damiana has been referred to as a "love herb" due to its association with increasing sexual desire, improving endurance, and enhancing intimate experiences.

In Mexican folklore, damiana was considered a potent ally for enhancing romantic or passionate energy. The leaves were sometimes brewed into a tea or smoked in rituals aimed at attracting love or elevating erotic experiences. Damiana’s reputation as an aphrodisiac, linked to both physical and emotional stimulation, is deeply rooted in the region's herbal traditions.

Modern Medicinal Uses

While damiana is renowned for its aphrodisiac effects, its range of uses extends far beyond sexual wellness. The plant is considered an adaptogen and nervine, helping to soothe the nervous system and promote emotional balance. In particular, damiana has been used as a tonic for the nervous system, providing relief for those suffering from anxiety, stress, or low mood.

According to herbalist James Green, damiana is one of the best mood elevators in the herbalist’s toolkit and can offer energy boosts during periods of depression (Green, 2008). This reputation for mood-lifting properties is well-deserved, as damiana works to stimulate the nervous system, offering a sense of rejuvenation and well-being.

Scientific Studies

While clinical trials in humans are limited, a mouse study conducted by Kumar and Sharma (2005) found that damiana extract exhibited significant anxiolytic effects (reducing anxiety). The research suggested that damiana’s ability to calm and soothe the nervous system may be akin to the effects of commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam, though at a lower dosage of 50 mg/kg. Higher doses of damiana were found to be sedating, which underscores the herb’s delicate balance between stimulation and relaxation.

In addition to its nervine qualities, damiana is also believed to have a positive impact on sexual health, particularly in balancing hormones. It is often used to treat menstrual irregularities and is considered beneficial for female reproductive health. Susun Weed describes damiana as a herb that "heightens sensation in the nerves" and can enhance sexual pleasure and endurance (Weed, 2011).

Other Therapeutic Benefits

Damiana’s versatility doesn’t stop at sexual and emotional wellness. It also has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating irritable coughs, urinary tract infections, and other respiratory irritations (Ellingwood, 1919). Additionally, it has mild diuretic and anti-catarrhal effects, supporting the body’s ability to clear excess mucous and reduce swelling.

---

Adult Dose (5)

• Tea: 1 teaspoon of damiana leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. It can be consumed 3 times per day.

• Tincture: 1 teaspoon per day.

Safety

Damiana is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, it is recommended to avoid using damiana during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its effects on hormonal balance have not been fully studied. Some sources suggest that damiana may influence blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or those on blood sugar medications should consult a healthcare provider before use (Hoffman, n.d.).

Actions

Anti-catarrhal,Anti-inflammatory,Antidepressant,Anxiolytic,Aphrodisiac,Astringent,Balances hormones,Diuretic,Nervine,Reproductive tonic,Stimulant

Energy

Drying,Pungent,Warming

References:

(1)Green, James (2008). Damiana. Retrieved on October 8, 2014 from http://www.inharmonyherbs.com/articles/41-damiana.html.

(2)Kumar, S and Sharma, A (2005). Anti-anxiety Activity Studies on Homoeopathic Formulations of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Mar;2(1):117-119.

(3)Weed, Susun (2011). Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.

(4)Ellingwood, (1919). The American Materia Medica. Retrieved on October 8, 2014 from http://www.swsbm.com/Ellingwoods/Ellingwoods_plants_only.pdf.

(5)Hoffman, David (n.d.). Damiana: Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Retrieved on October 8, 2014 from http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/Damiana_Herbal_Materia_Medica/196.

---

Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

tags:

Herbal medicine course

herbal school

wildpluk cursus

kruiden opleiding

geneeskrachtige planten

herborist

become a herbalist