Damiana, also known botanically as Turnera diffusa, is a part of the Turneraceae family. It is a small shrub that has tiny aromatic blossoms during the months of June through October. According to David Hoffman in his book "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal," damiana is considered a powerful aphrodisiac and a strengthening remedy for the nervous system. This makes it useful to treat cases of depression and anxiety, especially when it is rooted in a sexual dysfunction. The leaves and stems are used in folk medicine to make teas. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
Nervous Tonic
Damiana restores the nervous system and, according to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality," its benefits for nervousness are useful when treating muscle and nerve exhaustion. As it relaxes the nerves, it also helps the sleep cycle and promotes better rest. Gladstar recommends blending damiana leaves and stems with oats and lemon balm to mask its bitter flavor when taking it in the form of a tea.
Improves Sexual Potency
According to acupuncturist Michael Tierra in his book "The Way of Herbs," damiana is one of the main aphrodisiac herbs that improves sexual power and stamina. In the book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism" by Simon Mills, damiana is noted to have testosteromimetic actions, which means its alkaloids perform testosterone-like actions, bringing stimulation to the functions of the reproductive system, especially in the male.
Mills recommends making damiana tea by adding 1 tsp. of dry leaves and stems to a cup of boiling water and letting the herb steep for at least five minutes. Strain out the plant material and drink three times daily.
Digestive Aid
Damiana has a bitter taste due to its volatile oils and alkaloids. According to Mills, bitter herbs stimulate the bitter-sensitive taste buds in the mouth, leading to the release of the hormone gastrin in the stomach. Gastrin stimulates appetite and increases hydrochloric acid, which aids in the digestion of food. This reduces the chances of fermentation in the gut and improves nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Gastrin also stimulates the flow of bile, which can reduce the chance of gallbladder disease and acts as a cleansing agent for the liver, says Mills.
Hoffmann recommends taking 1 to 2 droppers of damiana tincture diluted in water, three times per day before each meal.
References
- "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996
- "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D.; 1980
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills, M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
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