Turnera diffusa – Damiana
Common Name – Damiana
Botanical name – Turnera diffusa
Family
–Turneraceae
History - Damiana is traditionally an
aphrodisiac used by the Maya people of Central America. It is used for both
male and female sexual stimulation. The leaves are still used to flavour
alcoholic drinks in Mexico and as a substitute for tea. Damiana is found
growing in the Gulf of Mexico, the northern Caribbean islands and in Namibia.
The native Brazilians used Damiana as an astringent and tonic tea.
Description - Damiana is an aromatic shrub that
grows to two metres. It has smooth pale green leaves that are pale green on the
upper side and are glabrous with few hairs on the ribs on the underside. The
flowers are small yellow single flowers arising from axils of the leaves.
Cultivation - Damiana grows from seed in spring. It
prefers a hot humid climate. Damiana is now cultivated in the countries listed
above.
Parts Used - The leaves are harvested when the
herb is in full flower in Summer.
Active Constituents - Arbutin up
to 7%. Volatile oil about 0.5 - 1%, deltacadinene 10% and thymol 4%, cineol,
cymol and pinene. Cyanogenic glycoside – tetraphyllin, flavonoids,
gonzalitosin, damianin. Resins, tannins and gums Amorhous bitter principle called Damianain and trace
amounts of phosphorus.
Actions
·
Nerve
Tonic
·
Stimulant
·
Mild
laxative
·
Diuretic
·
Testosterogenic
·
Aphrodisiac
·
Antiseptic
·
Thymoleptic
·
Stomachic
Indications - Damiana is a great tonic and
restoring herb for the nervous system and for conditions such as anxiety,
depression and stress. The thymol found in it also makes it toning as also as
an antiseptic. In helping to stimulate
the body and mind it can be used for mild to moderate depression, or for
nervous exhaustion.
It
is indicated to help increase energy, to reduce the symptoms of asthma,
depression, impotence as well as menstrual problems. It is also used as a
general tonic to improve digestion and treat constipation.
The
aphrodisiac properties have been related to its Testosterogenic action. It has
predominately been used for men and is useful in helping to treat premature
ejaculation and impotence. It works to help bring oxygen into the genital area.
Long term it will improve sexual fitness and performance.
Modern
research has shown it to increase sperm count in males and the strength of eggs
in females. It also helps with erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia.
Both
men and women have been shown to benefit from its used and it is now considered
as tonic and restorative to the reproductive organs of both men and women. For
the female reproductive organs is has been found useful in treating delayed and
painful menses, especially where headaches are indicated.
As
Damiana contain antiseptic properties and constituents such as Arbutin, as well
as being diuretic it has been found to be very useful in the treatment of
urinary infections, especially in the urinary tubules.
Being
a laxative Damiana has found a use in the treatment of constipation due to poor
bowel tone.
It
is also a great herbal remedy for anxiety and can help with normalising
hormones in menopausal women. As a central nervous system depressant it will
relax and control nervous responses.
Daily
Dosage - For mild depression take 30 drops of tincture daily with water.
1
cup of herb infusion can be drunk daily as a tonic. 2-4ml three times daily of
1:1
Capsules
take 3 to 4 grams twice daily.
A
fresh plant tincture of aerial portions may be made as well.
Damiana
leaves are often infused in alcohol to make liqueurs or cordials.
Cautions - Care with overactive Nervous systems
as it can initiate bowel troubles.
If you would like to purchase Damiana you can here
Until next week, seeing you in happiness and health
Louise Plant
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