Hi everyone,

The content we are going to try for each herb is a description, a picture of Damiana, possible usage, toxicity levels,  and earth elements.  I will try to follow that formula as close as possible. 

The reason we have decided to start with Damiana is because we have numerous questions about this herb at shows and emails. 

The scientific name for Damiana is Turnera diffusa.

What it looks like:  Damiana is a shrub like plant that is mainly found in South America near the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Africa.   The shrub normally grows to about 2 feet tall.  The leaves are smooth and pale green on the top surface and with scattered hairs on the ribs underneath.  The flowers are yellow and solitary.  The fruit is a small, globular, many-seeded capsule, which breaks into 3 parts.  it is aromatic and resinous. 

Preparation:  The part of the plant that is normally used is the leaves and stems.  The normal method of preparation is infusion or tincture.

Possible usages:  Damiana has been mostly used by as an aphrodisiac since Mayan times.  It has also been used as a nervine tonic for depression.  It has also been known to be tested for menstrual irregularity in young women.  It has been known to have anti-inflammatory effects in tests.  Damiana is also useful in the treatment of menopause.  May be used as a warming diuretic for those with mild water retention, kidney problems and bladder irritation. 

Toxicity Levels:  No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper administration of therapeutic doses.  There is a report from 1981 of a person experiencing sudden outburst of emotional behavior after mixing 8 fl. ounces of Damiana and alcohol.

Earth Elements:  The element is fire, the planet is Mars, the power of the herb is lust, love and visions.

Damiana is used in our new tea blend, Is It Hot Or What?.  This is a blend made just for our women customers…unless partners you want to buy it for your spouse… it should not be a gag gift though, it may lead to a dangerous situation..haha!   Ladies…the name of this one should explain itself. How many times have you seen young and older women alike waving their hand in front of their face for a slight breeze? Hormones are raging, you think you will internally combust at any moment. Sooth the savage beast with this organic blend of great herbs, Black Cohosh, Licorice Root, Damiana Leaf, Passionflower, Squawvine, Wild Yam, Nettles, Alfalfa, Cloves, Rose Petals and Lemon Balm.

As this is the first herb in this series,  I am sure there is information I have not even thought about putting here.  If you, the reader, have any comments please feel free add to the information.  We love to hear stories of how Damiana has worked for you or people you know. 

Remember… “everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission.  - Mourning Dove Salish (1888-1936)

Peace,

Kathy and Tara

Notice:  We must note that all information listed about herbs and their usages is for information only.  We caution you not to attempt to diagnosis or attempt self-treatment; consult a competent professional assistant.  The information here is not intended to substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your physician. 

This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 11:00 pm and is filed under Herbs and Home Remedies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.