Damiana
Turnera Aphrodisiaca
 Maya Indians used this herb to treat asthma, dizziness, vertigo, and
as a body cleanser. In Mexico it is used primarily to treat female
problems. It is excellent at restoring an exhausted state of the
body and increasing its vital energies.
Damiana is also known as Turnera diffusa, Mexican Damiana, old
woman's broom, and herba de la pastora.
This herb has a reputation for treating and arousing sexual desire
in both men and woman which is revealed by the second part of its
botanical name 'Aphrodisiaca'. Damiana is known as a sexual
rejuvenator in the loss
of vitality of those who have a sexual
weakness, caused by either abuse or senility. Historically it has
proven itself to have an excellent effect on the reproductive organs
and thereby esteemed as an aphrodisiac. It is also known to raise
the sperm count in the male.
Damiana has a relaxing effect, gives a mild cannabis like high and
is a light aphrodisiac. This effect lasts for about one hour. With
regular use the effect will become stronger. With longer use
Damiana increases potency and helps to regulate hormones in women.
It has shown some antibacterial activity when tested under
laboratory conditions, but much more study is needed to confirm or
disprove the results. Historically, Damiana has also been used to
treat conditions as diverse as bedwetting, constipation, depression,
and headaches. No results from controlled human studies support any
of these possible uses, however.
For women, it strengthens the reproductive organs, helps with
menopause, by strengthening the ovum; it controls hot flashes, and
helps to balance hormones in women.
To make Damiana liquor, mix 30 grams (1 oz.) of Damiana herb with
half a liter liquor and let this soak for 5 days. Sift this and let
the alcohol drenched leaves soak another 5 days in 125 ml of
mineral-water. Strain out the liquid and filter it. Heat the water
extract until just under the boiling-point and mix it with half a
cup of honey. Mix the alcohol extract and the water extract in a
bottle and keep for a month. The mix will sink down and the liquid
will get clearer. Pour the liquid carefully in a clean bottle. For
the best results take in the evening 1 or 2 glasses an hour before
the desired effect.
Uses:
Anxiety Aphrodisiac Bladder Brain tonic Constipation Depression
Energy Emphysema Estrogen (low) Fatigue Female problems
Frigidity Hormone Balancer (male and female) Hot flashes
Impotency Infertility Kidney inflammation Menopause Parkinson's
disease PMS Prostate (inflammation of) Reproductive organs Sexual
Stimulant
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
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