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 Turnera diffusa
(Damiana)
Turnera diffusa,
known as damiana, is a
shrub
native to
Central America,
Mexico,
South America,
and the
Caribbean.
It belongs to the family
Turneraceae.
Damiana is a
relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It
blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste
similar to figs. The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like
chamomile,
due to an oil present in the plant. The
leaves
have traditionally been made into a
tea which
was used by native people of Central and South America for its
aphrodisiac
effects. Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians
drank Damiana tea mixed with
sugar
for its ability to enhance lovemaking.
Uses
Herbal Medicine
Damiana is
conventionally made into a tea. In
herbal medicine,
damiana is used to treat conditions ranging from
coughs to
constipation
to
depression.
The herbal supplement is reputed to help with
Fibromyalgia,
energy, emphysema, low
estrogen,
frigidity, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's
disease, PMS, inflammation of prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease, and more
dealing with reproductive organs in both males and females.
Recreational
Damiana is an
ingredient in a traditional
Mexican
liqueur,
which is sometimes used in lieu of
Triple Sec
in
margaritas.
Mexican folklore
claims that it was used in the "original" margarita. The damiana
margarita is popular in the
Los Cabos
region of Mexico.
Damiana can
also be smoked, whereby the effects have been reported as somewhat
similar to
tobacco products
yet milder and more relaxing. In some places in Australia, Damiana is
used as an alternative to tobacco. Damiana supposedly has a synergistic
effect with
Passionflower
which when smoked in a combination has been said to be extremely
relaxing and promotes sleep. Damiana has been included as an ingredient
in
herbal cigarettes.
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