Damiana

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Damiana (Turnera diffusa, syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to Central, Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. It belongs to the family Turneraceae.Damiana is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste very similarly to figs. The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like chamomile or cannabis sativa, due to an oil present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its reputed aphrodisiac effects. Spanish missonaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for its ability to enhance lovemaking.http://www.rain-tree.com/damiana.htm

Uses

Herbal Medicine

In herbal medicine, damiana is used to treat conditions ranging from coughs to constipation to depression. The herbal supplement is reputed to help with energy, emphysema, low estrogen, frigidity, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's disease, PMS, inflammation of prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease, and more dealing with reproductive organs in both males and femalesRitchason, J. 1995, "The Little Herb Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition" p.70

Recreational

Damiana can also be made into a liquor. A traditional Mexican liquor, it is sometimes used in margaritas. Mexican folklore claims that it was used in the first margarita. This particular drink is popular in the Los Cabos region of Mexico.http://www.damiana.net/Damiana can also be smoked in which the effects are somewhat similar to Cannabis sativa although milder and more relaxing.Damiana has a synergistic effect with passionflower which when smoked in a combination has been said to be extremely relaxing and promotes lucid dreaming. It can also be brewed in a tea. http://www.erowid.org/

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