Damiana
Latin: Turnera Diffusa
Parts used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Bitter, pungent
Energetics: Warming
Actions: Aphrodisiac, nervine, thymoleptic, adaptogen, astringent, diuretic
Affinities: Reproductive system, nervous system, urinary tract
Damiana is a premier plant in western herbalism that thrives in the warm climates of South and Central America, Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and California. Damiana is known to be one of the most famous aphrodisiac herbs in the Western materia medica. Damiana’s actions extend beyond the sexual organs, acting as a relaxant and stimulant nervine, carminative, emmenagogie, diuretic, antiseptic, and circulatory stimulant.
The volatile oils of this herb stimulate circulation, warm the body, and relax tension, creating and energetic profile that is warming, drying, relaxant and stimulant. As a relaxant, it reduces neural tension and hyper-excitability, and stimulates the nervous system by promoting blood flow to the brain and pelvic region—soothing a frazzled nervous system while improving functionality. It has also been used as an expectorant for the lungs and respiratory tract, traditionally supportive for constricted bronchioles, asthma, and damp coughs.
