C l a u d i a K e e l | EarthFlower.

org

D AMIANA
Turnera diffusa syn. T. aphrodisiaca
The superb indigenous nervine ‘stress’ tonic,
both relaxing and invigorating.
Common N ames & Etymology:
Mizibcoc, Mis Kok (Maya: Asthma Broom), Old Woman’s
Broom, Herba de la Pastora, Mexican Holly, Damiana de
Guerrero, Sheperd’s herb, Stag’s herb
The common name Damiana is from the Old Greek daman
or damia meaning "to tame or subdue." It is the feminine
version of Damian and infers ”woman (or feminine spirit)
who tames”. It may refer to the plant used by Latin
American Cuanderas and Shamans. The plant may also be
named after Saint Damian, a physician and patron saint of
pharmacists.
Tunera and turneracea is named after the 16th cent English
physician and botanist William Turner who is considered
the 'Father of English Botany'. Diffusa refers to its
spreading (diffuse) growth and Aphrodisiaca refers to it
common use as an aphrodisiac.
Plant Family:
Turneraceae (a small family of mostly tropical or sub-
tropical shrubs, with a few trees) The Turneraceae family is
closely related to Passifloraceae family and Passion Flower and is sometimes included in this family.
Botany:
Damiana is a small subtropical shrub native to Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. It
has green, serrated, wedge-shaped leaves arranged alternately on a short, slender leafstalk. The small, 5-petaled
yellow flowers grow in the leaf axils, and produce a small fruit whose taste is said to be reminiscent of fig. It is
locally abundant in its indigenous areas and can be ethically wildcrafted or cultivated. T. microphylla is a very
closely related species and used interchangeably.

Parts U sed: Leaves and stems of flowering tops

H arvest: Leaves and stems are harvested when the plant is in bloom.

M edicine Preparation:
Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2] or Dry Plant Tincture (inferior) [1:5, 60% alcohol],
Standard Infusion [M.Moore]
Also prepared as a powder (encapsulated), glycerite, liqueurs, cordials as a smoke
and also used homeopathically

D osage:
Tincture: 15 to 60 drops 3x a day Michael Moore recommended the dose of dried
tincture be higher than fresh plant tincture Infusion: 1 cup, 2-4 oz., 3x a day

M ajor Constituents :
Flavonoids, damianin (bitter), tannins, cyanogenic glycosides (gonzalitosin, arbutin,
and tetraphyllin B) and volatile oils (up to 1% including: alpha-and beta-pinene, thymol,
cineaol, cymol, apigenin, cymene, calamene cadinene, copaenen), alkaloids (caffeine),
terpenoids, saccharides, phenolics resins, a variety of minerals.
 2
Cultural Traditions and U ses of D amiana

Mizibcoc, the ancient Maya name for Damiana, is a medicine plant of the “new
world” and the earliest recorded uses traditional uses are recorded by colonists
observing cultural uses of this new plant. In 1699, a Spanish missionary, Juan
Maria de Salvatierra, first reported that the leaves were made into a sugar-
sweetened drink by Mexican Aztec who drank it at celebrations and festivities to
enhance their love-making capabilities. The herb may also have been burned as
incense in offerings to the deities2.
The ancient Maya, whose civilization spanned modern day Mexico, Guatemala,
Belize, and Hondorus, valued it as an aphrodisiac as well, but a specific use that
was recorded was to treat giddiness and loss of (emotional?) balance.
The indigenous people of Baha, the Guaycura, claim to be the first to
use damiana and introduced it to Aztecs through trade. (Though a 1876 Medical Record, notes the
legend that Mexican Indians first found the plant during “wearisome journeys through parched
countries, made a decoction of the Damiana... the herb became familiar to all the inhabitants of
Mexico”) The Guaycura drank damiana during religious ceremonies, yet eventually it was banned in
for a time “as its passion inspiring powers got out of hand”. Their celebrated damiana liqueur,
bottled in the shape of a voluptuous Incan goddess, is still popular today, and they claim, “the
very first margarita ever made was with Damiana Liqueur (not that silly French liqueur)”.
Throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean, there are ethno-botanical reports
of damiana's therapeutic qualities as well as continued and popular folk use. While its effect
on sexual desire has been one of its primary uses across cultures, it was also ‘valued as a
nerve relaxant, digestive stimulant, mood enhancer, and simply an enjoyable beverage that
was given to children.’ It has been used for such conditions as depression, anxiety,
debilitation, bed-wetting, menstrual irregularities, gastric ulcers, asthma, bronchitis,
neurosis, diabetes, dysentery, dyspepsia, headaches, paralysis, nephrosis, spermatorrhea,
stomachache, syphilis and constipation.
While Damiana had been known for centuries by the early Spanish colonizers, the first
botanical description was not written until 1820 by the Austrian Josef August Schultes and it did not enter into
American use and markets until after the civil war, but then it did so with a splash and was the featured ingredient
in a number of formulations that became sensations of the day. In 1870 Damiana was imported by the US in the
form of a tincture that was advertised as both as a nerve tonic and an aphrodisiac and as was particularly popular.
In a 1875 article, Damiana - the New Aphrodisiac , Chas M'Questin, M.D. states "This remedy, Damiana, I have
used extensively in Mexico, where the Mexicanese employ it as a
domestic medicine. I can bear testimony to the efficacy of this plant in
cases of sexual debility, or lethargy of the sexual organs. In these cases,
the results are all that could be desired. An infusion is made of one once
of the dried leaves to a pint of water, and this amount is given daily. In a
few days the effects are manifest.... as to its aphrodisiac properties there
can be no question. [7]
Other similar articles and reports followed though not all MD’s felt it
was effective. A number of reports of the time also mention “Turnera
aphrodisiaca, … is not generally regarded in the light of a drug. There is
no scientific evidence in favor of the claim that it possesses marked
aphrodisiac properties. See the Pharmaceutical Review, Vol. 22, p. 126,
for an exhaustive study of the plant. But Damiana was not always
promoted as a cure for sexual problems. “Fleckenstein and Meyer of
Portland, Oregon, advertised it as a remedy for kidney and bladder
disease, while Michel Levy & Co of Los Angeles promised in 1884 that
‘you will never have a sour stomach if you drink
Damiana Bitters.’”
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 3
Then a few formulations featuring damiana hit the
popular market of the day and damiana became the
1870’s version of a fad herb and was a pre-internet
mail order phenomena. Two formulations are
particularly notable as part of American history

First was the Atlanta druggist John Stith

Pemberton who formulated his own American
version of “French Wine Coca”. He was seeking
a remedy for two prevalent conditions of the anti-
Bellum south: morphine addiction and
neurasthenia. Morphine had recently replaced
laudanum as a painkiller which was equally
addictive, but also sorely needed for so many
veterans injured during the civil war. Pemberton
himself was addicted to morphine as so was highly
motivated to find a remedy. Also a huge number of
southern women of the day were affected by a new
disease called neurasthenia, a diagnosis for
“people who were jumpy, had bad digestion, or
suffered from unexplained fatigue, headaches,
anxiety or depression”. Perhaps today we would diagnose such people with PTSD post-traumatic stress
syndrome after the horrors they experienced during the war.
Pemberton’s attention was drawn to the newly popular Wine Coca, imported from France, which was a
simple mixture of Bordeaux wine and South American coca leaf extract. The tonic wine, also called
Vin Mariani, had .12 grain cocaine per fluid ounce and people felt good on it! It was hugely popular,
praised by the pope, and recommended by Mark Twain to Ulysses S Grant to help him finish his
memoirs before he died. On the French Wine Coca, grant did complete his memoirs.
Many Americans made their own versions of the French Wine Cocoa, but it was Pemberton’s that hit
the jackpot. He modified the drink adding to new herbs to the wine cocoa formula, the newly
discovered African Kola Nut (giving a caffeine hit) and the newly popular Texan - Mexican herb
Damiana. Damiana purportedly was a featured part of the three herb formula that became
“Pemberton’s French Wine Coca” which claimed to be
“The Ideal Nerve Tonic and Intellectual Beverage…
Health Restorer & Stimulant… for the care and
prevention of mental and physical exhaustion… Kidney
and Liver Affections, Heart Disease, Melancholia,
Hysteria, Neuralgia, Headache, Throat and Lung
Affections, Tiredness etc. ... A most wonderful
invigorator of sexual organs”
Despite the, no doubt, strong actions of cocoa, many of its advertised effects are of the established actions of
damiana. The herbal wine was promoted to upper class intellectuals and many, such as Jules Verne and Arthur
Conan Doyle, took it up.
“Americans are the
most nervous It was a commercial success. But then Pemberton’s tonic wine enterprise was
people in the threatened by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and their popular lobby
for temperance. In 1885 temperance legislation was enacted in Atlanta and Fulton
world...” counties.
John Pemberton, So Pemberton went back to the drawing board to make a new non-alchoholic
in an 1885 version of his tonic. He kept his three herbs Damiana, Kola nut and Cocoa that he
advertisment for knew worked well, added a few other herbs and citric acid…. and …
Coca-Cola Coca – Cola was born!

www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 4
“Despite Atlanta's Temperance legislation, production of French Wine Coca continued until Pemberton's death in
1888. Indeed, in 1887, French Wine Coca sold 720 bottles a day - far outstripping Coca-Cola.”

The other infamous use of damiana in the 1880’s was the “Mormon Elders’ Damiana Wafers” developed by F. B.
Crouch also a druggist but up north in New City. While the wafers were promoted to pharmacists and consumers
alike the advertisements were much more sensational and explicit than Pemberton’s Coca Wine. The name itself
was created to capitalize on the perceived virility of polygamous Mormons. They were not made by the Mormons!
A trade circular of 1888 described the product’s effect as follows:
“Actually creates new Nervous Fluid and Brain Matter by supplying the Blood
with VEGETABLE PHOSPHATES, its Electric Life Element, the very core and
center of the Brain itself—Restoring the fullest and most Vigorous conditions
of Robust Health of Body and Mind, so that all the Duties of Life may be
pursued with Confidence and Pleasure, and whilst pleasant to the taste never
fails to Purify and Enrich the Blood, and thoroughly invigorate the
Brain, Nerves, and Muscles. Its energizing effects are shown from the
first day of its administration by a remarkable Increase of Nerve and
Intellectual Power, with a Feeling of Courage, Strength and Comfort, to
which the Patient has long been unaccustomed.”
A number of other tonics of the time boasted damiana, though not all contained damiana. In 1910, Henry
Kaufman of New York was fined $100 for misbranding his Damiana Gin. The drink not only didn't have
damiana, it contain contained strychine and brucinef.
From 1888 to 1947 damiana leaf and damiana elixirs were listed in the National Formulary in the United
States. Since then, damiana’s use has been associated with improving both male and female
sexual function along with many other healing actions (listed below). Turnera diffusa also
traveled over to Europe to be in included into its medicine. Germans use it ‘to relieve
excess mental activity and nervous debility, and as a tonic for the hormonal and central
nervous systems. E. F. Steinmetz states that in Holland, damiana is renowned for its sexual-
enhancing qualities and its positive effects on the reproductive organs. The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia cites indications for the use of damiana for "anxiety neurosis with a
predominant sexual factor, depression, nervous dyspepsia, atonic constipation, and coital
inadequacy."”
Damiana as a southwestern US native plant has also subtly infused into Texan and cowboy
culture. A popular cowboy boot design is based on stylized version of the damiana leaf.
Justin boots continues to name it boots after damiana.

www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309

 5
T. diffusa leaves are approved for food use as a flavoring agent in the U.S. and appear in the FDA's list of
substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), however sadly this plant is illegal in Louisiana, and has been
since 2005, This was due to overdoses of synthetic laboratory-made cannabinoids which was added to herb blends
including Damiana to smoke. These fake cannabis products are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all
costs, but not damiana, which can be safely smoked if desired.

Damiana as Medicine - Herbal Uses & Indications

Tissue State: depression, tension and damp relaxation
Taste: pungent (aromatic), bitter and astringent.
Energetics Q ualities: warming and drying
System / Organ Affinities: Nervous, genitourinary, digestive.
Actions:
Sexual & reproductive tonic, aphrodisiac, uplifting, invigorating, relaxing
nervine. Bitter digestive stimulant, anti-depressant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety),
emmenagogue, warming pelvic herb anti-inflammatory, cough-suppressant,
urinary antiseptic, mild laxative, mild purgative, diuretic, astringent, expectorant,
and….hypochondriastic (quelling hypochondria),

Specific Indications
℘ Relaxing and uplifting nervine tonic: Damiana is a superb
troporestorative and strengthener for the nervous system and has the
renowned quality for being both relaxing and stimulating, offering an
invigorating quality overall. It is of particular benefit for those who are
stressed out, tired and depressed and/or anxious.
This restorative property deserves more attention! For while damiana is not
considered an adaptogen, nor Rasayana in Ayurveda, its reinvigoration of
sexuality for those too worn out for it bespeaks of damiana’s profound
actions in the body and mind. In Ayurveda, they consider the 7 other levels
of tissues in the body need to be restored before it reaches to the sexual level
℘ Aphrodisiac: Damiana has been a traditional aphrodisiac of the Aztec, Maya and other indigenous peoples
of Latin America., While there are of recent years a few studies now confirming is aphrodisiac properties on
animals and people, this action has and continues to be its most controversial action. Sexual arousal will
always lie within the mind and heart of a person and no substance can create arousal in and of itself.
However damiana’s complex actions, such as: stress relieving, relaxing, invigorating, focusing, warming and
toning to the pelvic area, all contribute to sexual expression in both mind and body.
-- Herbalist Karen Sanders uses damiana to “help people remember they are sexy and sensual. It warms and
loosens blocks and brings you in your body, [helping to] loosen up up spiritually & mentally – the reason for
its aphrodisiac action”
-- Damiana’s aphrodisiac effect is in no small part due its effects on the nervous system, as it helps release
anxiety and tension, allowing one to focus on sexual energy. Herbalist Susun Weed describes, “It heightens
sensation in the nerves, increases endurance, and promotes erotic dreams. Smoking the dried leaves improves
her interest and his staying power”
Herbalist James Green states, “A useful remedy for either the Seer or the Monarch experiencing mopey
depressions and a need for some euphoria and for those who just don’t want to get out of bed. Particularly
useful as a sexual tonic when the mind insists on overriding the inclinations of the flesh or for those
experiencing dissociation with sex due to trauma. Good to stimulate libido in performance anxiety and to ease
individuals having trouble relaxing with sex. For the Seer male, this can be a particularly useful herb to
supply an anabolic push.”
℘ Reproductive system tonic: Damiana helps to maintain the general health of reproductive organs and to
balance hormone levels. “Alkaloids found in damiana may have a testosterone-like action” (Hoffman),
helping one to overcome sexual impotence and low libido. Testosterone is important for sexuality in both
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 6
women, as well as men, increasing sexual desire and improving
sexual performance. In one animal study (Estrada-Reyes, 2009),
damiana extract helped sexually exhausted male rats recover and
resume sexual activity, Researchers suggested its flavonoids
(which are similar to those in yohimbe) may be responsible for the
pro-sexual effect, and conclude “The results support the use of
Turnera diffusa as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine and
suggest possible therapeutic properties of Turnera diffusa on
sexual dysfunction.” ”
℘ Sexual problems (male and female): “A cup of damiana leaf
infusion daily or 15 drops of the tincture three times a day can
counter a variety of sexual problems. It heightens sensation in the
nerves, increases endurance, and promotes erotic dreams.
Smoking the dried leaves improves her interest and his staying
power. It has been used by animal breeders to improve the
chances of conception in high-strung livestock. Damiana is
especially recommended for those who are anxious about sex” or too stressed for sex. The Maya used herb
specifically as a remedy for "giddy" love and unbalanced ways was considered more important for focusing
sexual energies than for creating them.
℘ Male erectile dysfunction: Damiana has been a popular herb for men helping male impotence and premature
ejaculation and is an important herb for erectile dysfunction, and for this purpose, is well combined with
other herbs such as: Ephedium (Horny Goat Weed), Withania (Ashwaganda), Muira Puama (Potency bark),
Catuaba bark (Amazonian aphrodisiac) and Smilax (Sarsparilla) and Saw Palmetto
℘ Female sexual function: Damiana has also been traditionally used to enhance female orgasms. Research now
indicates Damiana can increase the flow of oxygen to genital areas.
℘ Female Hormone Balancing & Pelvic Decongestant: While it is warming (mainly to the pelvic area)
Turnera has also been used to balance female hormone levels and control hot flashes during menopause. “A
study into the effectiveness of damiana and how it combines with estrogen and progesterone receptors, found
that some of the plant's compounds are very similar to those found in progesterone. The trial tested more than
150 for their ability to bind with the receptors and Damiana was one of the highest progesterone-binding
herbs tested. These receptors are an important part of the scientific studies of breast cancer…” Damiana is
also reported to enhance fertility, increase testosterone and progesterone production, regulate menstruation
and ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).”
℘ Emmenagogue: gently stimulates menstrual flow (and so is contraindicated during pregnancy) It is
particularly helpful establish normal menstrual flow in girls and young women who have recently begun their
menses.
℘ Depression: Damiana lifts the spirit, helps with low self-esteem, and
encourages a feeling of well-being. Herbalist Deborah Franics notes that
damiana “bring energy down from the head” Tonic to nervous, stressful
depression. Through its stimulating and tonic effect on the nerves and anti-
depressant action, Herbalist James Green describes it as “one of the better
mood elevators herbalists have in their materia medica” and suggests it
“gives an energy boost when one is caught up in draggy depressions” (Green,
2008).
℘ Anxiety: The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends the herb
for "anxiety neurosis with a predominant sexual factor, depression, nervous
dyspepsia, atonic constipation, and coital inadequacy." Research of Damiana
herb revealed an increase in neurotransmitter production including serotonin
and dopamine and is reliable in reducing pain, easing anxiety, soothing
digestive troubles, and increasing pleasure. human clinical trials have not
been conducted, however a scientific study found that damiana extract had
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 7
significant anxiolytic effects (particularly at a lower dose of 50 mg/kg, as higher doses became sedating) on
mice, comparable to the drug diazepam (Kumar and Sharma, 2005).
℘ Digestive nervine bitter: improves digestion while relaxing the nervous system. Turnera was included in
many popular bitter formulas of the late 19th and early 20th century. It also is traditionally used for
constipation for both its tonic astringency and mild laxative effects from its gentle stimulation of muscular
contractions of the intestinal tract and peristalsis.
℘ Gastric Ulcer: Traditional use in Brazil and other Latin American countries includes treatment of gastric
ulcer, which is now validated by recent scientific research.
℘ Respiratory: Ancient Mexicans as well as the Eclectics used damiana for Asthma bronchitis and other
respiratory ailments as it soothes irritation of mucous membranes and relieves excess mucous buildup.
(Ellingwood, 1919) Mayan names for damiana translate as ‘asthma broom’ and ‘asthma sweep’ It also
soothes inflammation due to irritable coughs. Its astringent and diuretic actions may be instrumental for
these conditions.
℘ Urinary track: Along with its action as a urinary antiseptic, Eclectics (Ellingwood, 1919) also used damiana
for irritation of the mucous membranes in kidneys and urinary track (use with marshmallow).
℘ Bed wetting: helps to controls bed-wetting by developing action and awareness pelvic muscles
℘ Diabetes and hyperglycemia: Teas of damiana may lower blood sugars, but tinctures do not appear to have
this action. (see study note below) “Two US patents list damiana as an ingredient in a "thermogenic" diet aid
designed to increase metabolic rate.”
℘ Headaches: Damiana is a popular folk remedy throughout Latin America for headaches and other herbalist
today report its use. Likely its downward energy away from the head is one of its helpful actions for tension
headaches.
℘ Anti-inflammatory: Research has shown that turnera’s anti-inflammatory is higher than that of alpha
tocopherol (vitamin E).

Clinical Research & Studies :

“Only one clinical study has been conducted to validate the traditional
use of the plant for sexual dysfunction and impotence. In 1999, a group
of researchers in Italy administered damiana to both sexually potent and
sexually sluggish (or impotent) rats. The extract had no effect on
sexually potent rats but, in the others, it increased the percentage of rats
achieving ejaculation and made them more sexually active.
A U.S. patent was awarded in 2002 for a combination of herbs,
including damiana, to "overcome natural inhibitors of human sexual
response and allow for improved response and psychological effects."
Another U.S. patent was awarded for an herbal combination for females,
with inventors reporting that damiana could ". . . relieve anxiety,
depression, headaches during menstruation, and exhaustion. Damiana
also helps to balance female hormone levels and control hot flashes."
A 1998 in vitro clinical study reported that components in damiana
bound to progesterone receptors in cultured human breast cancer cells,
leading researchers to surmise that it had a neutral or anti-estrogenic
activity.
Central nervous system depressant activity has been attributed to
damiana and verified by research. Damiana also has been used in
combination with other plants for its thermogenic activity. Two U.S.
patents have been filed on oral appetite suppressants containing
damiana, citing its inclusion as an anti-anxiety and thermogenic
substance.
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 8
Damiana's traditional use for diabetes has been studied by scientists as well. In 1984, Mexican researchers reported
the hypoglycemic activity of the plant when a leaf infusion was given to diabetic mice. This effect was re-verified
in Mexico when the plant was prepared in the traditional manner (as an infusion) and given orally to hyperglycemic
rats. This study reported that damiana reduced blood glucose levels as well. A more recent (2002) study however,
reported that an ethanol extract of damiana evidenced no hypoglycemic activity. These conflicting studies suggest
that the active "hypoglycemic" chemicals in damiana may be extracted in the traditional (hot water) process, and
are lost or not extracted in alcohol.” [citations forthcoming]

Contraindications & Cautions:

Damiana is a very safe herb (class 1).
• It is contraindicated during pregnancy as it stimulates menstruation and pelvic contractions. (One of the
traditional uses of the herb was to induce abortion.)
• Some sources mention is also contraindicated during breastfeeding “as there is a chemical constituent
present that can pass on cyanide poisoning to your infant.” But while the Botanical Safety Handbook also
recognized the presence of cyanogenic glycosides they have not corroborated any concern in nursing.

• Teas of damiana may lower blood sugars, but tinctures have not been found to have the same action. For
those with hypoglycemia, use damiana tea with caution.

Damiana as Flower Essence

Damiana [Desert Alchemy Flower Essences] When we feel
inadequate, weak, emotionally needy or detached from the flow of
vital life force, Damiana relaxes and restores our radiant fullness
of energy and sensuality. For those out of touch with, or
dissociated from, one’s sensual and/or sexual needs. For those
detached from the flow of vital life force energy; For those with
stress from too much focus with the mind; denial of the body and
sensuality may lead to emotional neediness;
Harmonizing Qualities: changing the focus from the mind to the
needs of the body and emotional self: relaxes and restores the
radiant fullness of energy and sensuality: regeneration through the
body and emotions
Patterns of Imbalance: feeling emotionally and/or sensually
needy; inadequate; stress from too much focus with the mind;
denial of the body and sensuality

Damiana as Homeopathic Remedy

As a homeopathic remedy, damiana is indicated for many of the its herbal actions and specifically for sexual
neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion symptoms of late 1800’s see above), impotency, and sexual debility from nervous
prostration (i.e. exhaustion), and also helps establish normal menstrual flow in young girls (Boericke, 1988;
Ellingwood, 1919).

Damiana as Essential Oil

Though it is not readily available, the aromatics of damiana can be steam distilled into an green essential oil
described as reminiscent of chamomile with an “interesting fresh fruity note”. Most of research related to Damiana
is of whole herb and the essential oil uses mirror its herbal use as an aphrodisiac, nervine, anti-asthmatic, anti-
anxiety, anti-depression, astringent, antiseptic, diuretic, and emmenagogue. It has applications for exhaustion,
headache, impotence, nervous system tonic, PMS, sexual dysfunction. But the popular use of Damiana essential oil
is in natural perfume aphrodisiac blends as felt to bring about feeling a of happiness.

Essential contraindications: side effects on the emotions can be at least unsettling bordering on disturbing. Mild
halucinations can become as extreme as feeling manic can all be examples of effects from overuse.
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
 9
damiana essential oil should be avoided for anyone with any kind of disorder where they already feel a little out of
contol, schizophrenia, bipolar or manic depression would all be contraindicated for damiana essential oil.

More than that though, using the damiana essential oil rather than the heb itself, perhaps in the bath or in a massage
oil means that you can have an ongoing treatment that continues to calm nervousness and lifts that kind of mild
depression that can really exacerbate sexual difficulties.

Damiana as Food & Drink

Damiana produces fruits are reported to taste very similar to
figs, which can be used as food. But it is the leaves that are
used throughout Latin America and Caribbean to flavor drinks
elixirs and liqueurs. It is well included in our herbal drink
formulations whether in herbal sodas or cordials!
Turnera flavors the traditional Mexican Damiana liqueur, “A
bottle is often given as a gift to new brides and grooms.” It is
said that the original margarita incorporated this liqueur with
tequilla rather than the standard triple-sec.

D amiana-infused Cacao Butter & Chocolate

from: Kate Briggs at Colorado School of Herbalism
“It is common to find herbal-infused oils employed as the base for
medicinal salves, lip balms, and body oils – but we needn’t stop
there! Infused oils can be used in a variety of ways, opening the door
to a whole world of healing applications. Experimenting with
chocolate-making for the first time, I discovered yet another outlet for
herbs and infused oils. Making chocolate from scratch simply involves combining melted Cacao butter with Cacao powder, but
it can be a creative and medicinal project when custom flavors and textures are added. I infused Cacao butter with Damiana. a
beloved as a warming aphrodisiac and offers a unique floral note to chocolate candies spiced with Cinnamon and Vanilla!”
D amiana-Infused Cacao Butter
Ÿ Damiana, coarsely ground (‘pulsed’ once or twice in a clean coffee grinder or gently pounded in a mortar)
Ÿ ½ cup Cacao butter, very finely chopped
Crock Pot Method
Crock Pot Method In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine Cacao butter and Damiana and securely attach lid. Place jar in
a crock-pot, and fill the pot with water until it reaches about 2/3 up the sides of the jar. Turn crock pot onto its lowest setting
(‘warm’ is ideal but ‘low’ may work too). Allow oil to infuse 4-6 hours. Remove jar from water bath and thoroughly dry to
prevent water from contaminating the oil.
Double Boiler Method
Place a small saucepan on the stovetop, fill with several inches of water and cover with a small bowl. Place the Cacao butter
and Damiana in the bowl and turn the heat to low. Allow oil to infuse for 4-6 hours. Make sure that the oil never bubbles and
keep an eye on the water level below the bowl. Adding more water to the pan may be necessary throughout the process. Place
several layers of cheesecloth over another clean jar (if reserving infused Cacao butter for another use) or into measuring cup (if
continuing into chocolate making). Pour oil through cheesecloth and gently squeeze cloth to collect remaining oil
D amiana-Infused Chocolate with Cinnamon and Vanilla
Ÿ ½ cup Damiana-infused Cacao butter (it’s ok if a little Cacao butter was lost during the infusing process, simply chop up
some more and add it to the infused batch to make a complete ½ cup)
Ÿ 4 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons Cacao powder Ÿ ¼ cup Maple syrup (or Honey)
Ÿ ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract Ÿ 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
Place the Cacao butter in a double boiler on the stovetop (see Double Boiler Method for ideas, above). Heat the Cacao butter on
low. Once it has fully melted, whisk in the Cacao powder until completely incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in the
Maple syrup, Vanilla extract, and Cinnamon powder. If using Honey instead of Maple syrup, whisk until the Honey is
completely dissolved and again before dispensing into molds. Pour into molds (silicon or plastic) and place into refrigerator or
freezer to cool. Once the chocolates are completely cool, pop them out of the molds and enjoy. Extras should be stored in the
freezer or refrigerator.

www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309

 10
D amiana-infused Cordial (& Tea) recipes
There are many popular and tasty blends for damiana which can be prepared as tea or cordial.
Have fun and develop your own!
Jim McDonald’s Tea blend
Damina, oatsraw, blackberry leaf and vanilla

Rosemary Gladstar’s Damiana Cordial

Ÿ Damiana tincture and damiana water infusion combined together with honey vanilla and rosewater.
Ÿ Also can mix in chocolate nibs crush up with honey
Ÿ Bottle it, but let it sit for a while month. It becomes less perfuming more mellow in flavor -- not so
intense but more effective.

Diana De Luca’s Damiana Vanilla Cordial Adapted from Botanica Erotica

Ÿ 2 vanilla beans Ÿ 1 oz dried damiana leaf Ÿ 1 cup brandy Ÿ 1½ cup spring water Ÿ 1 cup honey
Directions
Ÿ Split vanilla beans lengthwise using a knife. Chop crosswise into smaller pieces if needed to fit them into the bottle.
Ÿ Add damiana with vanilla beans to the jar. Cover with brandy.
Ÿ Let steep for 2-4 weeks, shaking every day or two.
Ÿ Strain brandy and place in a clean jar, saving the plant material.
Ÿ In the original jar, combine plant material and spring water, and let steep for 3 days.
Ÿ Strain spring water extract, composting the plant material.
Ÿ Gently warm spring water extract with honey just until combined.
Ÿ Combine spring water/honey mixture with the alcohol extract in a beautiful jar.
Ÿ Age for one month before enjoying as a sipping cordial.

Amber Brission’s Elixir of Love (Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism)

“The pairing of Damiana and tequila produces a dramatic smoky and sweet flavor I find brilliant. Amber aged her version by
placing a Cinnamon stick in the menstruum after sweetening it.”
Ÿ 3 parts Damiana Ÿ 1 ½ parts Rose petals Ÿ ½ part Cinnamon chips Ÿ 1 part Cacao nibs
Ÿ 2 parts Tulsi Ÿ Silver tequila Ÿ Honey

D amiana Smoke Blend

It is not clear whether damiana was traditionally smoked or burned as an incense, but it is now a popular inclusion in smoke
blends, lending its asthma soothing actions directly to the lungs as mullein does, as well as being relaxing and uplifting to mind
and body. As a smoking herb, damiana is considered to have a “nice herbaceous unique flavor, and strong relaxing effect.”
Recommended in smoke blends both as a ‘base’ (lion’s share of the formula), or as a ‘modifier’ (to augment or enhance the
effect) A nice blog post for crafting your own smoke blends can be found here. Caution: In cultures that used herbal smokes,
smoking was a special use, not a regular part of one’s life and, whether with beneficial herbs or not, long-term inhalation of
smoke dries out and damages the lungs.
Robin Rose’s Soothing Smoke Blend from her book The Gift of the Healing Herbs 2014
Ÿ 6 pts mullein lf Ÿ 2 pt coltsfoot lf Ÿ ½ pt damiana lf (or increase to preference)
½ pt comfrey lf Ÿ pinch of lavender fl. to taste Ÿ pinch of mugwort lf to taste

Sources: [more citations forthcoming]

1. Damiana Liqueur retrieved from http://www.damiana.net
2. Source not confirmed for this note
3. Leslie Taylor The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs © 2005 retrieved from Tropical Plant Database
http://www.rain-tree.com/damiana.htm#.V_v7NKOZNcw
4. Thos. Blair MD A Practitioners Handbook of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1907
5. Michael Moore, Materia Medica phamphlets
6. David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism
7. De Luca, Diana. (1998). Botanica Erotica: Arousing Body, Mind, and Spirit. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
8. Karen Sanders The Herbal Highway - notes from a radio show podcast
9. Claudia Ratsch & Christian Meuller-Ebeling Encyclopedia of Aphrodisiacs, 2003
10. James Green, The Male Herbal, 2nd Ed.

www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309