Native to Central and South America as well as Mexico, the herb damina is scientifically known as Turnera diffusa. It is considered an aphrodisiac and folk medicine remedies use the leaves to treat a variety of health issues, from coughs to impotency. It is mostly considered beneficial in treating reproductive system dysfunctions, especially in males, according to "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalist," by Scott Mills and is also used as a nerve tonic and a laxative.
Nerve Tonic and Anti-Depressant.
According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," damiana strengthens the nervous system.
In her book "Family Herbal---A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality," herbalist Rosemary Gladstar notes damiana as an herb useful for lessening anxiety and depression and recommends its use alongside oats. Damiana works especially well as an antidepressant when the cause for anxiety is related to a sexual factor, says Hoffmann.
Aphrodisiac
According to Leslie Taylor in her book "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs," damiana improves sexual function in both men and women and has been used as an aphrodisiac since the times of the Mayan culture.
According to a study done in 2009 by the Mexican University Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, damiana helps recover libido in sexually exhausted males. Mills lists the actions of damiana as being testosterone-like and reports a generally enhancing and stimulating influence on the male reproductive system.
Damiana may also help stimulate libido in the female reproductive system since women may suffer from depleted testosterone levels that lead to a lower sexual drive. According to Hoffmann, damiana has a tonic action on the entire hormonal system of the body.
Digestive Aid
Hoffmann lists damiana as a bitter herb, making it useful for the proper digestion of food. Bitter tastes stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which makes the breakdown of food easier and makes the body more apt to absorb nutrients once the food is passed on to the intestines. In large quantities, this bitter effect may render damiana as a helpful laxative that can aid the release of toxins from the body.
Mexico makes a traditional liqueur with damiana that serves as a digestive aid. According to Gladstar, you can make your own damiana liqueur by adding dry damiana leaves to vodka or brandy and mixing it with spring water, honey, vanilla, almond extract, rose water and chocolate syrup.
References
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.; 1988
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Family Herbal-A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs"; Leslie Taylor; 2005
- Wellness International Network: Damiana as a Sex Enhancer
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