Nothing Says “I Love You” Like Damiana
Valentine’s Day is just around the bend, and it just so happens to be put right into one of the more stressful times of the year (tax season), which means some of us may need a little help getting “in the mood.” Damiana, Turnera diffusa, is one of those amazing herbs that provides a bit of relaxation and stimulation in just the right ways. It also has a few other benefits that make it worth considering for those who don’t need the aforementioned help.
Herb Overview:
Family: Turneraceae
Genus: Turnera
Species: diffusa, aphrodisiaca
Flavor : Bitter, pungent
Temperature : Warm
Moisture : Dry
Common Names: Damiana, Mexican Damiana, Mexican Holly, Pastorcita, Yerba del Pastor, Hierba del Venado, Hierba de la Pastora
Parts Used: Arial Parts (everything above the ground)
Constituents: Volatile oil, resin, tannin, starch, bitter compound (damianian), flavonoids, hydroquinone, arbutin, vitamin C, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, sulfur, glycosides, beta-sitosterol.
Properties and Actions: Nerve tonic, nervine, adaptogen, antidepressant, alterative, anti-inflammatory, aperient, antioxidant, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, urinary antiseptic, aphrodisiac, reduces blood sugar, reduces spasms, dries secretions, stimulates digestion, antiseptic, kidney and urinary tonic, energy tonic, general tonic, and stomachic.
Damiana is native to Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. It was used by the Aztecs as an aphrodisiac, by Mexican women to stimulate lovemaking, and is commonly included in herbal remedies for prostate health. Traditional medicine has made this herb the go-to for most sexual issues for both men and women, and in recent years, science is starting to agree with this use. Some people have also recorded that they experienced a mild euphoria after consuming damiana, almost like the effects of cannabis. The euphoric effect and the sexual stimulation make this a great herb to use in place of alcohol as well. Some people have also reported that after taking damiana, their alcohol cravings have been reduced.
All playfulness and speculation aside, what does damiana actually do? Traditional medicine uses damiana as a sexual stimulant and to treat both erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. This is most likely due to the fact that damiana increases circulation to the sexual organs in the human body and increases their sensitivity, as well as acts to reduce stress and stress-related complaints. Damiana is also a great hormone balancer and is used quite often to help women who suffer from premenstrual tension (PMT) as well as women who are going through menopause. It also helps to protect testicles from oxidative damage and is a natural anti-anxiety and anti-depressant, the effects of which can be most clearly witnessed when you are actively feeling down or out of sorts before drinking the tea. In many cases, the feeling of well-being will be almost immediate. Many people have smoked damiana in order to wean themselves off tobacco, and with a great degree of success. Since damiana is both antiseptic and diuretic, it is often used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Damiana has also been known to help quite an overactive mind, helping to clear brain fog and calm the nervous system, especially in the case of anxiety and in relation to mental decline, such as dementia. Many traditional medicine systems also use damiana for bronchitis and asthma. In 2023, a study was published that combined the previous 10 years’ worth of scientific data surrounding this herb and other members of its genus. This study corroborated many of these traditional uses and even pointed to several other potential uses that need further study.
Cautions and Warnings:
As with all herbs, respect should be given, and caution should be used. Damiana does tend to increase libido as well as fertility in women, and sperm count in men. Consume this herb with family planning in mind. Some people have reported erotic dreams shortly after beginning regular consumption, though these tend to dissipate after a week or so. Damiana also has a history as an abortifacient herb (can cause abortions) due to its emmenagogue action, so please do not use damiana while pregnant. There is a chance that, with prolonged use, it could interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use iron, but this usually only happens when consumed more than 3 days a week for long periods of time. However, this is definitely an effect that should be monitored if you are prone to anemia. Also, since damiana does have the effect of lowering blood sugar, if you are diabetic, you should exercise caution with this herb and avoid it if you are hypoglycemic or taking medications to lower your blood sugar. This effect is only a concern when consuming the tea; tinctures should be safe, but your blood sugar should be monitored just in case.
I hope everyone has a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day this year!
Resources:
Original Bat Lady Herbals Post
Henriette’s Herbal: Properties and Uses of Damiana
Herbal Resource: Damiana – A Medicinal Herb
Mayo Clinic: Anorgasmia in Women
Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information presented on this site is provided for informational purposes only; it is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professional. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or health conditions. If you have, or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or health care provider.
