Packaging: 25 g (or 500 g & 1 kg) containing the aerial parts of the plant. 
(Price includes VAT.)

Other Names: Damiana, Turnera, Damiana the Aphrodisiac, Diamana, Aromatic Damiana

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a small shrub that thrives in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its fruits taste like figs, while its small yellow flowers are very fragrant (reminiscent of chamomile). When fully grown, the plant can reach heights of up to 2 meters, and its leaves can grow up to 25 cm long.

The use of Damiana has a long history. The Maya and Aztecs used Damiana as a general tonic for the body. In the Mayan language, Damiana was called mis kok—translated as "asthma broom." Indigenous peoples of the Americas commonly brewed tea from Damiana leaves, believing the plant had strong aphrodisiac properties. Some Native American tribes burned Damiana leaves in the central fire of their camp to promote "romantic feelings" among the tribe's youth. The first European to observe and document the aphrodisiac qualities of Damiana (in 1699) was Jesus Maria de Slavatierra, a Spanish missionary who served in Northern Mexico. Damiana began to gain recognition in the U.S. around 1884 when it was marketed as an aphrodisiac.

In modern herbal medicine, Damiana is mainly used as a tonic for the body and to address nervous disorders. According to some reports, the bitter compound damianin is said to stimulate the nervous system, making Damiana suitable for cases of intense anxiety, nervousness, and atony, as well as for mild forms of depression. The stimulation of the nervous system is often accompanied by a general feeling of euphoria and an overall tonic effect.

It is recommended to combine Damiana with vanilla essential oil to scent the space using a burner.

Traditionally, Damiana is used as an aphrodisiac. It is believed to address erectile dysfunction and increase sexual desire in both men and women. Although there are some indications regarding Damiana's aphrodisiac properties (e.g., the presence of y-cadinene and 1,8-cineole, compounds thought to promote testosterone production), systematic clinical studies validating this claim are lacking. Research has mainly been conducted on animal models (rats), where it has shown to increase sexual desire in both genders.

Other traditional uses of Damiana include reducing blood sugar, treating depression, anxiety, and nocturnal enuresis.

Overall, the herb tones the nervous and hormonal systems, with specific applications for conditions such as irregular menstruation (oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea), cycle symptoms (headaches), dysmenorrhea, menopause, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, Damiana acts as a mild laxative, useful for treating constipation due to poor bowel function.

Origin: Greece, Imathia region (cultivated)

Storage: Keep in a dark and cool place (5°C – 15°C)

Preparation: 1 tablespoon of crushed Damiana (or a small pinch of whole leaves) is placed in a container, where 1 cup of water is added. The mixture is boiled for 5 – 10 minutes, allowed to steep, and then strained before consumption.