Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Damiana - More sex and less stress!


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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