Botanical Name
- Turnera diffusa
- Turnera aphrodisiaca
Common Names
- Damiana
- Mexican Damiana
- Old Woman’s Broom
- Herba de la Pastora
Flavor
- Bitter, Pungent
Herbal Energetics
- Warming, Drying
Herbal Actions
- Aphrodisiac: Traditionally used to enhance sexual desire and function, particularly in cases of low libido and sexual lethargy.
- Nervine: Acts as a mild relaxant and mood enhancer, helping to alleviate anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression.
- Tonic: Strengthens and invigorates the reproductive and nervous systems, supporting overall vitality.
- Stimulant: Gently stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems, promoting alertness and energy.
- Diuretic: Increases urine production, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and supporting kidney health.
- Antidepressant: Exhibits mild antidepressant effects, helping to lift the mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Organ Affinities
- Reproductive System: Particularly supportive of the reproductive organs, enhancing sexual health and libido.
- Nervous System: Benefits the nervous system by reducing stress, anxiety, and nervous tension, while promoting relaxation.
- Urinary System: Supports the kidneys and bladder by acting as a mild diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids.
- Endocrine System: Supports hormonal balance, particularly in relation to sexual health and reproductive function.
Uses
- Sexual Health: Used to enhance libido, sexual performance, and overall sexual vitality in both men and women.
- Mood Enhancement: Helps to alleviate mild depression, anxiety, and stress, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Energy and Vitality: Acts as a tonic to boost energy levels, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
- Hormonal Balance: Supports hormonal health, particularly in cases of menstrual irregularities or menopausal symptoms.
- Digestive Health: Sometimes used to stimulate digestion and relieve mild constipation.
Preparation and Dosage
- Infusion: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried damiana leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 times daily to support sexual health, mood, and vitality.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily for sexual health, nervous system support, and energy enhancement.
- Powder: Damiana powder can be added to smoothies, capsules, or other preparations. Take 1-2 grams daily for general tonic effects.
- Smoking Blend: Damiana is sometimes used as a base in herbal smoking blends for its relaxing and mood-enhancing effects.
- Herbal Wine/Elixir: Damiana can be infused in wine or brandy with honey to create a warming, aphrodisiac elixir. Take 1-2 tablespoons as needed.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as damiana may stimulate uterine contractions and affect hormonal balance.
- Diabetes: Use with caution if you have diabetes, as damiana may lower blood sugar levels.
- Surgery: Discontinue use at least two weeks before surgery, as damiana may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
- High Doses: High doses may cause mild hallucinations, headaches, or dizziness. Always adhere to recommended dosages.
Materia magica
- Love and Passion: Damiana is often used in love spells and rituals to attract a partner, enhance passion, and strengthen romantic relationships.
- Psychic Abilities: Employed in rituals to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual vision.
- Protection: Used in protective rituals and charms, particularly to guard against negative energy in romantic relationships.
- Luck and Prosperity: Associated with good fortune, damiana is sometimes used in spells to attract wealth, luck, and abundance.
- Planet: Mars - Linked to Mars, symbolizing passion, energy, and action, enhancing damiana’s aphrodisiac and stimulating qualities.
- Element: Fire - Associated with the Fire element, representing warmth, vitality, and transformation, aligning with damiana’s warming and energizing nature.
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio - Aligns with Scorpio, emphasizing themes of passion, sexuality, and transformation, resonating with damiana’s effects on sexual health and vitality.