Damiana Leaf Aphrodisiac
Turnera aphrodisiaca (Damiana)Latin name: Turnera aphrodisiaca Common name: Damiana |
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Other names: damiane, oreganillo, the bourrique, Mexican damiana, Mexican holly, damiana de Guerrero What it is: a small shrub that grows 1-2 meters high and bears aromatic, serrate leaves that are 10-25 cm long. |
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Small yellow flowers bloom in early to late summer, followed by small fruits with a sweet smell and fig-like flavor. Habitat: Damiana is found throughout Mexico , Central America, southern US, and the West Indies, as well as in parts of South America |
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Parts used: The damiana leaves, which contain the medicinal part, and are harvested during the flowering season.
Constituents: not all damiana components have been identified, but leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, beta-sitosterol, damianin, and the glycosides gonzalitosin, arbutin, and tetraphyllin B., as well as an oil that is made of at least 20 constituents.
History/traditional use: in the ancient Mayan civilization damiana was used as an aphrodisiac. Mexican Indians were reported to make a drink from the damiana leaves to enhance lovemaking by a Spanish missionary.
Actions/Uses: Damiana can be found in health food stores, usually in combination with other medicinal plants in the form of capsules, teas, and extracts for use as an aphrodisiac, for weight loss, hormonal balancing, and to treat depression. Best deals are usually found online.
Preparation method: capsules or infusion
Side effects: mild hypoglycemic actions, and should not be used during pregnancy
Interactions: could potentiate antidiabetic medications
Animal Studies: a 1999 study in Italy found that intervals between sexual activities were reduced in sexually sluggish, or impotent, rats
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