Damiana

Latin name Turnera diffusa.

The herb is used across the Americas where our ancestors used it for its powerful aphrodisiac effects and ability to enhance sex magick. But the herb’s benefits extend beyond its use for intimacy. Damiana is also turned to for cognitive support, oneiromancy (dreamwork), and healing the body.

NATIVE LANDS

Damiana is native to the hot, dry regions of Mexico and Central and South America. These regions are characterized by arid, rocky soils and a hot, dry climate with limited rainfall. Not many plants thrive in those conditions, however, Damiana is one such species. Its ability to grow in rugged soils has made it an important part of the traditional medicine and cultural heritage of the region. The Mayans held Damiana in high regard, and it became more widely utilized when the Guaycura people of the Baja region of Mexico began trading with the Aztecs, which led to the herb’s dissemination throughout the rest of the Americas.

As Damiana grows in the arid deserts, its roots stretch deep into the earth, where they draw up the heat and energy of the sun-baked soil. The herb’s leaves bask in the scorching sun, soaking up its fiery rays and transforming them into the warm and invigorating energy that makes Damiana a beloved yang nourishing herb.

Damiana is abundant in fire energy giving it its warming nature.

It’s a revered aphrodisiac and used for libido support and feelings of euphoria. It is also used for boosting energy, stress management, cognitive enhancement, respiratory support, menstrual support, and as a digestive aid. The use of Damiana varies greatly but is mostly linked to the herb’s mild antibacterial quality and ability to oxygenate the body and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

STIMULATING

The warming energy of Damiana helps to stimulate blood flow to the nervous system and promote circulation. This helps nourish and strengthen the nerves which can be beneficial for a variety of nervous system issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue. One of the active constituents of this herb is thymol, and it is this compound that is responsible for Damiana’s uplifting effect on the mind and body. Its stimulating and restorative properties make it a valuable herb for anxiety and depression occurring together – as can often happen as a result of long-term stress.

DIGESTiVE AID

Damiana is a bitter herb and that means it has an effect on the digestive system. Most bitter plants have a cooling action, however, Damiana is one of the few warming bitter herbs. There is a high volatile oil content (aromatic compounds) that give this plant its carminative action. Carminatives are soothing to gas and bloating; helping peristalsis. It is especially good for those with constipation and digestive disturbance from stress and anxiety.

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT

Damiana’s astringent and diuretic actions have been useful to treat coughs and other respiratory ailments. It soothes irritation of mucous membranes and relieves excess mucous buildup. The Mayans called Damiana “mizib-coc,” which translates to “asthma broom,” referring to its excellent power of alleviating and sweeping out asthma attacks.

As a folk remedy, Damiana has been reported to relieve headaches because of its ability to move energy downward from the head. Although there aren’t any studies to support this benefit, the herb does appear to provide natural pain relief. It was equal to morphine in a pain-tolerance study in mice.