Damiana is a herb that grows naturally throughout Central America, Mexico the Caribbean Islands and also Southern California. It is known by its Latin name Turnera diffusa.
Damiana is an aromatic shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height and has erect stems with green leaves that have ‘tooth like’ impressions on them. At the branch tips are bright yellow singular flowers, each comprised of five petals.
The parts used medicinally include the dried leaves and stems, which are gathered when the plant is still flowering. It is rich in essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, bitters and nutrients.
Damiana has been traditionally used as a sexual tonic and aphrodisiac for both men and women alike.
It was often used in cases of impotence, loss of libido, prostate problems, for counteracting fatigue and depression and was often utilised for energy and vitality.
Historically it has been used as a strengthening tonic for the nervous and hormonal systems and as an all over general body tonic.
The ancient Mayans used Damiana as an aphrodisiac, though nowadays in Mexico Damiana is often drunk as a soothing and uplifting hot black tea, or used as a food flavouring agent.
Supporting energy levels
It is certainly a very nutritive herb. Damiana is high in naturally occurring nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Damiana therefore has stimulating properties and is good for supporting and helping to maintain energy levels.
Connective tissue production
Due to its general tonic and nutritive properties, Damiana can help support collagen formation and connective tissue production.
Collagen is a structural protein and is a main component of connective tissues. Collagen is found in connective tissues that comprise the hair, skin and nails.
Having enough collagen in your body means that you can make strong and healthy connective tissues, including supporting hair and nail strength and assisting growth. This means more lustrous healthy hair and less nail chipping and splitting.
Damiana can be taken in combination with other herbs and nutrients to support collagen and connective tissue health.
Damiana is a traditional herb of the Mexican and Central American regions that still has many uses today.
Whether you take Damiana for its traditional purposes, or in a supplement for connective tissue support, it’s certainly a very useful herb with many health benefits.
References
1. Balch, P, A., Bach, J, F. (2000) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3rd Edition. Penguin Putman Inc. New York. p: 95.
2. Hoffmann, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal. Harper Collins Publishers. London. p. 181.
3. Lloyd, J, U. (1904). Herb Rally Monograph. Damiana. https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/damiana
4.Van Wyk, B, E., Wink, M. (2005). Medicinal Plants of the World. Briza Publications, South Africa. p.101.
