Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an aromic herb found in dry and rocky areas of Texas, Southern California, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Damiana has pale green leaves, small yellow flowers and can grow up to twenty four inches high. The plant has a resesmblance to chamomile. It's leaves, flowers and steams are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Damiana also goes by many names; Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiacal, woman's broom, mexican damiana, pastorata, hierba del venado, oreganello and the bourrique.

Medicinal Benefits

The people of Central and South America have been using Damiana leaves to brew tea for its aphrodisiac effects for hundreds of years, maybe more. Damiana has been used to treat spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, painful menstruation, headaches, constipation, asthma, cough and flu, nephritis, for weight loss and as an aphrodisiac.

Damiana is most often used in a smoking blend for releasing depression, nervousness, anxiety, as a stimulant, to improve circulation and regulate hormonal activity. Besides the relaxing effects, Damiana is widely taken as a recreational herb. Damiana shares some of the same effects as Cannabis sativa, but much milder and lasts for a few hours. Damiana is sometimes used as a tobacco alternative. It is also known to promote lucid dreaming.

Methods of Use

As an Infusion or Tea: The dried leaves of the Damiana plant are often used to make tea. This is the most common method of consuming or using Damiana.

As a Smoking Blend: Damiana is often used as a legal substitute for marijuana. The leaves can be dried and smoked or bought as a prepared powder. The effects of Damiana can be obtained both from tea and from smoking. Superpotent resins extraction can also be smoked.

As a prepared tincture: As the effects of Damiana become more popular and more widely known, the herb has been used more and more in herbal remedies. It can be bought as part of an herbal supplement. It can also be bought as a simple tincture and added to drinks to provide the effects of the herb without the taste.

Effects

The effects of Damiana are centered around the libido. People who use Damiana report increased libido, feeling more energetic, feeling less anxiety, improved sexual fitness, and a feeling of euphoria or legal high.

Side Effects

Heavy doses can cause some side effects including headache, mood change, erotic dreams, hallucinations, an increase in the user's sugar level and others. It is not recommended in pregnancy and brest feeding. Damiana is included in the U.S. Food and Drug Aministration's GRAS list and is considered safe. Further, it's widely used as a food flavoring. It's important to note Damiana contains low levels of cyanide-like compounds, so excessive doses can be dangerous.

Where to buy Damiana?

Damiana is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.