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Damiana
Tunera diffusa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malpighiales Family: Turneraceae Genus: Turnera Species: T. diffusa
Binomial name
Turnera diffusa Willd. ex J.A. Schultes

Damiana (Turnera diffusa, syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to Central and South America. It belongs to the family Turneraceae.

Blooming with small yellow flowers, the shrub has an odor somewhat like chamomile, which is due to an oil present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its reputed aphrodisiac effects.

Damiana is also a European name. In the country of Bulgaria it is simply a female version of Damian. In Greece the name Damiana refers to a person who is tame and subdued. Plus, the name Damiana is somewhat common in Latino/Spanish locations.

Contents 1 Uses 1.1 Herbal Medicine 1.2 Recreational 2 References 3 External Links

In herbal medicine, damiana is used to treat conditions ranging from coughs, to constipation, to depression. The herbal supplement is reputed to help with Energy, Emphysema, low Estrogen, Frigidity, Hot Flashes, Impotency, Infertility, Menopause, Parkinson's Disease, PMS, Inflammation of Prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease, and more dealing with reproductive organs in both males and females. ^[1]

The leaves of damiana are sometimes smoked for relaxation and for its very mild psychoactive properties, described as somewhat similar to those of cannabis, if taken in much larger quantities. Yet the effects are a lot more mental than physical; movement is not severely impaired and thinking is not distorted to the same degree. Often when damiana is smoked while drinking it in a tea form, the smoker feels relaxed and mildly mentally altered. However it is not very effective when attempting to become stoned though. Damiana is sold in some brands of herbal cigarettes marketed as a tobacco-free smoking alternative. The herb lavender goes well with damiana when smoked.

Also, a traditional Mexican liqueur, sometimes used in margaritas is made from this herb. Some claim that damiana liqueur was used in the original margarita.

1. ^ Ritchason, J. 1995, "The Little Herb Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition" p.70

• Damiana vault at Erowid