Damiana

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Damiana
Scientific name	Turnera diffusa
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Malpighiales
Family	Turneraceae
Genus	Turnera
Conservation status	Least Concern
Type	Small perennial shrub
Habitat	Hot, sunny, dry places; well-drained soil
Native range	Central and South America, Mexico, southwest Texas
Colours	Small yellow, fragrant flowers
Flowering season	Late summer, July to September
Height	Up to 1–2 m
Edible parts	Leaves (tea) and fig-tasting fruit

Damiana is a kind of shrub found in Central America, South America, Mexico, and also in the southwest part of Texas. It is a flowering shrub belonging to the Passifloraceae family (older books place it in its own family, Turneraceae) and is technically known as Turnera diffusa. It is usually grown as a small shrub with toothed leaves and small yellow fragrant flowers that bloom during the late summer months from July to September. The shrub consists of many essential oils, which gives the herb a powerful spice-like aroma similar to chamomile. People in South and Central America use its leaves for making incense and tea because it is believed to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It was considered as an aphrodisiac and its leaves were used by Mexican Indians for making tea.

History

Damiana had a very important role in the ancient times, especially in making medicines. It was traditionally used for different types of illnesses and conditions like anxiety, menstrual irregularities, anti depressant, gastric ulcers, constipation, bed-wetting, sexual inadequacy, depression and debilitation. It was believed that Damiana was best to use as a cough-suppressant, diuretic, tonic, mild laxative, and mainly as an aphrodisiac. Over 100 years ago, it was mentioned in scientific literature about its use as a traditional aphrodisiac. In earlier days, the Mayan civilization used this herb as an aphrodisiac. They also utilized it for loss of balance and dizziness. The Spanish missionaries revealed that this beverage was used by Mexican Indians to increase their strength in sexual activities. In Mexico, Damiana was also used to treat asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, dysentery, neurosis, headaches, paralysis and stomachaches.In the United States, Damiana elixirs and Damiana leaf were recorded in the National Formulary from 1888 to 1947.

Anatomy

Damiana is a low growing plant that reaches up to 1-2 m height. It has toothed leaves that grow up to about 2.5 cm and are isolated, oblong, with serrated margins and are soft. Its leaves have a strong smell and its flavor is pleasant and aromatic. Little yellow flowers blossom from the beginning to the end of summer. These yellow flowers are accompanied by small fruits with a perfumed smell and fig-like taste. The leaves of this plant are full of medicinal value and it is harvested during the flowering seasons.

Habitat

The Damiana herb is a hardy plant and prefers a hot and humid climate. It is cultivated throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Southern parts of California, Central America, and the West Indies. In these parts, cultivation of Damiana occurs on a significant scale and the herbs are also found growing wild. The herb flowers in the summer when the harvesting of the leaves is done. Damiana’s stems and leaves are utilized in making medicines.

Soil

The Damiana can thrive in any soil type but it prefers neutral, acidic, dry and alkaline soil. It will flourish well if the soil has a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5. It doesn’t require any fertilizers to grow.

Temperature

Damiana is a perennial plant and it thrives well in full sun. It does not prefer shade. It grows well in a high temperature area. Hence, while placing this plant in sheltered or unsheltered areas, make sure that it gets bright sunlight to grow well.

Planting

Damiana seedling can be planted in a pot in the early spring. The roots should be covered completely with pot soil. Water the soil till the 2 inches deep soil gets wet. Keep the pot in a sheltered or unsheltered area with enough sunlight. It can be transplanted to a well drained soil in early summer. Holes should be big enough to accommodate the big root balls and should be completely covered with soil. There should be a space of 2 to 3 feet between the plants.

Watering

Damiana is a drought resistant plant; hence regular watering is not required. Water should be applied only when the soil gets completely dried. It cannot grow in waterlogged soil; hence care should be taken while watering.

The Advantage of Using Damiana as Herbal Medicine

The herbal properties of Damiana are, technically, referred to as “thymoleptic,” that is, they possess a life enhancing and stimulating action on the body and the mind of the affected person. It was used as a traditional medicine for many ailments for which reason, it is not surprising to find Damiana in many herbal medicine books and reports. Its use is still continued in the modern times. Herbalists include Damiana in several medicines in combination with other herbs. It is still available in the market in the form of tonics, tinctures and extracts. Damiana is used to make medicines for several problems like headache, nervousness, stomach ache and constipation. This herbal remedy has traditionally been used for depression, bed wetting and as an aphrodisiac, although there is no good evidence that it works. In early times, it was used as an ingredient in a Mexican alcoholic drink. Care should be taken while using Damiana medicines or supplements as can affect the sugar level in the blood. Use of Damiana can cause blood sugar level to decrease, hence the blood sugar levels should always be monitored and the herbs should be used accordingly.

Application

Damiana is sold as a herbal supplement, usually as dried leaf for tea, as a tincture or in capsules. Its safety and the right amount to take have not been well studied, so anyone thinking of using it should talk to a doctor first, especially people with diabetes, because it may lower blood sugar.

Children (under 18 years old)

Though it has been studied in combination with other agents, no clinical studies have provided the basic dosage of Damiana for children under 18 years old.

Damiana FAQs