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D AMIANA
Turnera diffusa syn. T. aphrodisiaca
The superb indigenous nervine ‘stress’ tonic,
both relaxing and invigorating.
Common N ames & Etymology:
Mizibcoc, Mis Kok (Maya: Asthma Broom), Old Woman’s
Broom, Herba de la Pastora, Mexican Holly, Damiana de
Guerrero, Sheperd’s herb, Stag’s herb
The common name Damiana is from the Old Greek daman
or damia meaning "to tame or subdue." It is the feminine
version of Damian and infers ”woman (or feminine spirit)
who tames”. It may refer to the plant used by Latin
American Cuanderas and Shamans. The plant may also be
named after Saint Damian, a physician and patron saint of
pharmacists.
Tunera and turneracea is named after the 16th cent English
physician and botanist William Turner who is considered
the 'Father of English Botany'. Diffusa refers to its
spreading (diffuse) growth and Aphrodisiaca refers to it
common use as an aphrodisiac.
Plant Family:
Turneraceae (a small family of mostly tropical or sub-
tropical shrubs, with a few trees) The Turneraceae family is
closely related to Passifloraceae family and Passion Flower and is sometimes included in this family.
Botany:
Damiana is a small subtropical shrub native to Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. It
has green, serrated, wedge-shaped leaves arranged alternately on a short, slender leafstalk. The small, 5-petaled
yellow flowers grow in the leaf axils, and produce a small fruit whose taste is said to be reminiscent of fig. It is
locally abundant in its indigenous areas and can be ethically wildcrafted or cultivated. T. microphylla is a very
closely related species and used interchangeably.
H arvest: Leaves and stems are harvested when the plant is in bloom.
M edicine Preparation:
Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2] or Dry Plant Tincture (inferior) [1:5, 60% alcohol],
Standard Infusion [M.Moore]
Also prepared as a powder (encapsulated), glycerite, liqueurs, cordials as a smoke
and also used homeopathically
D osage:
Tincture: 15 to 60 drops 3x a day Michael Moore recommended the dose of dried
tincture be higher than fresh plant tincture Infusion: 1 cup, 2-4 oz., 3x a day
M ajor Constituents :
Flavonoids, damianin (bitter), tannins, cyanogenic glycosides (gonzalitosin, arbutin,
and tetraphyllin B) and volatile oils (up to 1% including: alpha-and beta-pinene, thymol,
cineaol, cymol, apigenin, cymene, calamene cadinene, copaenen), alkaloids (caffeine),
terpenoids, saccharides, phenolics resins, a variety of minerals.
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Cultural Traditions and U ses of D amiana
Mizibcoc, the ancient Maya name for Damiana, is a medicine plant of the “new
world” and the earliest recorded uses traditional uses are recorded by colonists
observing cultural uses of this new plant. In 1699, a Spanish missionary, Juan
Maria de Salvatierra, first reported that the leaves were made into a sugar-
sweetened drink by Mexican Aztec who drank it at celebrations and festivities to
enhance their love-making capabilities. The herb may also have been burned as
incense in offerings to the deities2.
The ancient Maya, whose civilization spanned modern day Mexico, Guatemala,
Belize, and Hondorus, valued it as an aphrodisiac as well, but a specific use that
was recorded was to treat giddiness and loss of (emotional?) balance.
The indigenous people of Baha, the Guaycura, claim to be the first to
use damiana and introduced it to Aztecs through trade. (Though a 1876 Medical Record, notes the
legend that Mexican Indians first found the plant during “wearisome journeys through parched
countries, made a decoction of the Damiana... the herb became familiar to all the inhabitants of
Mexico”) The Guaycura drank damiana during religious ceremonies, yet eventually it was banned in
for a time “as its passion inspiring powers got out of hand”. Their celebrated damiana liqueur,
bottled in the shape of a voluptuous Incan goddess, is still popular today, and they claim, “the
very first margarita ever made was with Damiana Liqueur (not that silly French liqueur)”.
Throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean, there are ethno-botanical reports
of damiana's therapeutic qualities as well as continued and popular folk use. While its effect
on sexual desire has been one of its primary uses across cultures, it was also ‘valued as a
nerve relaxant, digestive stimulant, mood enhancer, and simply an enjoyable beverage that
was given to children.’ It has been used for such conditions as depression, anxiety,
debilitation, bed-wetting, menstrual irregularities, gastric ulcers, asthma, bronchitis,
neurosis, diabetes, dysentery, dyspepsia, headaches, paralysis, nephrosis, spermatorrhea,
stomachache, syphilis and constipation.
While Damiana had been known for centuries by the early Spanish colonizers, the first
botanical description was not written until 1820 by the Austrian Josef August Schultes and it did not enter into
American use and markets until after the civil war, but then it did so with a splash and was the featured ingredient
in a number of formulations that became sensations of the day. In 1870 Damiana was imported by the US in the
form of a tincture that was advertised as both as a nerve tonic and an aphrodisiac and as was particularly popular.
In a 1875 article, Damiana - the New Aphrodisiac , Chas M'Questin, M.D. states "This remedy, Damiana, I have
used extensively in Mexico, where the Mexicanese employ it as a
domestic medicine. I can bear testimony to the efficacy of this plant in
cases of sexual debility, or lethargy of the sexual organs. In these cases,
the results are all that could be desired. An infusion is made of one once
of the dried leaves to a pint of water, and this amount is given daily. In a
few days the effects are manifest.... as to its aphrodisiac properties there
can be no question. [7]
Other similar articles and reports followed though not all MD’s felt it
was effective. A number of reports of the time also mention “Turnera
aphrodisiaca, … is not generally regarded in the light of a drug. There is
no scientific evidence in favor of the claim that it possesses marked
aphrodisiac properties. See the Pharmaceutical Review, Vol. 22, p. 126,
for an exhaustive study of the plant. But Damiana was not always
promoted as a cure for sexual problems. “Fleckenstein and Meyer of
Portland, Oregon, advertised it as a remedy for kidney and bladder
disease, while Michel Levy & Co of Los Angeles promised in 1884 that
‘you will never have a sour stomach if you drink
Damiana Bitters.’”
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Then a few formulations featuring damiana hit the
popular market of the day and damiana became the
1870’s version of a fad herb and was a pre-internet
mail order phenomena. Two formulations are
particularly notable as part of American history
The other infamous use of damiana in the 1880’s was the “Mormon Elders’ Damiana Wafers” developed by F. B.
Crouch also a druggist but up north in New City. While the wafers were promoted to pharmacists and consumers
alike the advertisements were much more sensational and explicit than Pemberton’s Coca Wine. The name itself
was created to capitalize on the perceived virility of polygamous Mormons. They were not made by the Mormons!
A trade circular of 1888 described the product’s effect as follows:
“Actually creates new Nervous Fluid and Brain Matter by supplying the Blood
with VEGETABLE PHOSPHATES, its Electric Life Element, the very core and
center of the Brain itself—Restoring the fullest and most Vigorous conditions
of Robust Health of Body and Mind, so that all the Duties of Life may be
pursued with Confidence and Pleasure, and whilst pleasant to the taste never
fails to Purify and Enrich the Blood, and thoroughly invigorate the
Brain, Nerves, and Muscles. Its energizing effects are shown from the
first day of its administration by a remarkable Increase of Nerve and
Intellectual Power, with a Feeling of Courage, Strength and Comfort, to
which the Patient has long been unaccustomed.”
A number of other tonics of the time boasted damiana, though not all contained damiana. In 1910, Henry
Kaufman of New York was fined $100 for misbranding his Damiana Gin. The drink not only didn't have
damiana, it contain contained strychine and brucinef.
From 1888 to 1947 damiana leaf and damiana elixirs were listed in the National Formulary in the United
States. Since then, damiana’s use has been associated with improving both male and female
sexual function along with many other healing actions (listed below). Turnera diffusa also
traveled over to Europe to be in included into its medicine. Germans use it ‘to relieve
excess mental activity and nervous debility, and as a tonic for the hormonal and central
nervous systems. E. F. Steinmetz states that in Holland, damiana is renowned for its sexual-
enhancing qualities and its positive effects on the reproductive organs. The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia cites indications for the use of damiana for "anxiety neurosis with a
predominant sexual factor, depression, nervous dyspepsia, atonic constipation, and coital
inadequacy."”
Damiana as a southwestern US native plant has also subtly infused into Texan and cowboy
culture. A popular cowboy boot design is based on stylized version of the damiana leaf.
Justin boots continues to name it boots after damiana.
Specific Indications
℘ Relaxing and uplifting nervine tonic: Damiana is a superb
troporestorative and strengthener for the nervous system and has the
renowned quality for being both relaxing and stimulating, offering an
invigorating quality overall. It is of particular benefit for those who are
stressed out, tired and depressed and/or anxious.
This restorative property deserves more attention! For while damiana is not
considered an adaptogen, nor Rasayana in Ayurveda, its reinvigoration of
sexuality for those too worn out for it bespeaks of damiana’s profound
actions in the body and mind. In Ayurveda, they consider the 7 other levels
of tissues in the body need to be restored before it reaches to the sexual level
℘ Aphrodisiac: Damiana has been a traditional aphrodisiac of the Aztec, Maya and other indigenous peoples
of Latin America., While there are of recent years a few studies now confirming is aphrodisiac properties on
animals and people, this action has and continues to be its most controversial action. Sexual arousal will
always lie within the mind and heart of a person and no substance can create arousal in and of itself.
However damiana’s complex actions, such as: stress relieving, relaxing, invigorating, focusing, warming and
toning to the pelvic area, all contribute to sexual expression in both mind and body.
-- Herbalist Karen Sanders uses damiana to “help people remember they are sexy and sensual. It warms and
loosens blocks and brings you in your body, [helping to] loosen up up spiritually & mentally – the reason for
its aphrodisiac action”
-- Damiana’s aphrodisiac effect is in no small part due its effects on the nervous system, as it helps release
anxiety and tension, allowing one to focus on sexual energy. Herbalist Susun Weed describes, “It heightens
sensation in the nerves, increases endurance, and promotes erotic dreams. Smoking the dried leaves improves
her interest and his staying power”
Herbalist James Green states, “A useful remedy for either the Seer or the Monarch experiencing mopey
depressions and a need for some euphoria and for those who just don’t want to get out of bed. Particularly
useful as a sexual tonic when the mind insists on overriding the inclinations of the flesh or for those
experiencing dissociation with sex due to trauma. Good to stimulate libido in performance anxiety and to ease
individuals having trouble relaxing with sex. For the Seer male, this can be a particularly useful herb to
supply an anabolic push.”
℘ Reproductive system tonic: Damiana helps to maintain the general health of reproductive organs and to
balance hormone levels. “Alkaloids found in damiana may have a testosterone-like action” (Hoffman),
helping one to overcome sexual impotence and low libido. Testosterone is important for sexuality in both
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women, as well as men, increasing sexual desire and improving
sexual performance. In one animal study (Estrada-Reyes, 2009),
damiana extract helped sexually exhausted male rats recover and
resume sexual activity, Researchers suggested its flavonoids
(which are similar to those in yohimbe) may be responsible for the
pro-sexual effect, and conclude “The results support the use of
Turnera diffusa as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine and
suggest possible therapeutic properties of Turnera diffusa on
sexual dysfunction.” ”
℘ Sexual problems (male and female): “A cup of damiana leaf
infusion daily or 15 drops of the tincture three times a day can
counter a variety of sexual problems. It heightens sensation in the
nerves, increases endurance, and promotes erotic dreams.
Smoking the dried leaves improves her interest and his staying
power. It has been used by animal breeders to improve the
chances of conception in high-strung livestock. Damiana is
especially recommended for those who are anxious about sex” or too stressed for sex. The Maya used herb
specifically as a remedy for "giddy" love and unbalanced ways was considered more important for focusing
sexual energies than for creating them.
℘ Male erectile dysfunction: Damiana has been a popular herb for men helping male impotence and premature
ejaculation and is an important herb for erectile dysfunction, and for this purpose, is well combined with
other herbs such as: Ephedium (Horny Goat Weed), Withania (Ashwaganda), Muira Puama (Potency bark),
Catuaba bark (Amazonian aphrodisiac) and Smilax (Sarsparilla) and Saw Palmetto
℘ Female sexual function: Damiana has also been traditionally used to enhance female orgasms. Research now
indicates Damiana can increase the flow of oxygen to genital areas.
℘ Female Hormone Balancing & Pelvic Decongestant: While it is warming (mainly to the pelvic area)
Turnera has also been used to balance female hormone levels and control hot flashes during menopause. “A
study into the effectiveness of damiana and how it combines with estrogen and progesterone receptors, found
that some of the plant's compounds are very similar to those found in progesterone. The trial tested more than
150 for their ability to bind with the receptors and Damiana was one of the highest progesterone-binding
herbs tested. These receptors are an important part of the scientific studies of breast cancer…” Damiana is
also reported to enhance fertility, increase testosterone and progesterone production, regulate menstruation
and ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).”
℘ Emmenagogue: gently stimulates menstrual flow (and so is contraindicated during pregnancy) It is
particularly helpful establish normal menstrual flow in girls and young women who have recently begun their
menses.
℘ Depression: Damiana lifts the spirit, helps with low self-esteem, and
encourages a feeling of well-being. Herbalist Deborah Franics notes that
damiana “bring energy down from the head” Tonic to nervous, stressful
depression. Through its stimulating and tonic effect on the nerves and anti-
depressant action, Herbalist James Green describes it as “one of the better
mood elevators herbalists have in their materia medica” and suggests it
“gives an energy boost when one is caught up in draggy depressions” (Green,
2008).
℘ Anxiety: The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends the herb
for "anxiety neurosis with a predominant sexual factor, depression, nervous
dyspepsia, atonic constipation, and coital inadequacy." Research of Damiana
herb revealed an increase in neurotransmitter production including serotonin
and dopamine and is reliable in reducing pain, easing anxiety, soothing
digestive troubles, and increasing pleasure. human clinical trials have not
been conducted, however a scientific study found that damiana extract had
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significant anxiolytic effects (particularly at a lower dose of 50 mg/kg, as higher doses became sedating) on
mice, comparable to the drug diazepam (Kumar and Sharma, 2005).
℘ Digestive nervine bitter: improves digestion while relaxing the nervous system. Turnera was included in
many popular bitter formulas of the late 19th and early 20th century. It also is traditionally used for
constipation for both its tonic astringency and mild laxative effects from its gentle stimulation of muscular
contractions of the intestinal tract and peristalsis.
℘ Gastric Ulcer: Traditional use in Brazil and other Latin American countries includes treatment of gastric
ulcer, which is now validated by recent scientific research.
℘ Respiratory: Ancient Mexicans as well as the Eclectics used damiana for Asthma bronchitis and other
respiratory ailments as it soothes irritation of mucous membranes and relieves excess mucous buildup.
(Ellingwood, 1919) Mayan names for damiana translate as ‘asthma broom’ and ‘asthma sweep’ It also
soothes inflammation due to irritable coughs. Its astringent and diuretic actions may be instrumental for
these conditions.
℘ Urinary track: Along with its action as a urinary antiseptic, Eclectics (Ellingwood, 1919) also used damiana
for irritation of the mucous membranes in kidneys and urinary track (use with marshmallow).
℘ Bed wetting: helps to controls bed-wetting by developing action and awareness pelvic muscles
℘ Diabetes and hyperglycemia: Teas of damiana may lower blood sugars, but tinctures do not appear to have
this action. (see study note below) “Two US patents list damiana as an ingredient in a "thermogenic" diet aid
designed to increase metabolic rate.”
℘ Headaches: Damiana is a popular folk remedy throughout Latin America for headaches and other herbalist
today report its use. Likely its downward energy away from the head is one of its helpful actions for tension
headaches.
℘ Anti-inflammatory: Research has shown that turnera’s anti-inflammatory is higher than that of alpha
tocopherol (vitamin E).
• Teas of damiana may lower blood sugars, but tinctures have not been found to have the same action. For
those with hypoglycemia, use damiana tea with caution.
Essential contraindications: side effects on the emotions can be at least unsettling bordering on disturbing. Mild
halucinations can become as extreme as feeling manic can all be examples of effects from overuse.
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damiana essential oil should be avoided for anyone with any kind of disorder where they already feel a little out of
contol, schizophrenia, bipolar or manic depression would all be contraindicated for damiana essential oil.
More than that though, using the damiana essential oil rather than the heb itself, perhaps in the bath or in a massage
oil means that you can have an ongoing treatment that continues to calm nervousness and lifts that kind of mild
depression that can really exacerbate sexual difficulties.