Damiana
Damiana is an aromatic nervine, mild antidepressant, and traditional aphrodisiac that supports the nervous system, reproductive system, urinary tract, and digestion. It uplifts mood, eases anxiety and tension, stimulates libido, and enhances pelvic circulation while also acting as a mild urinary antiseptic and a digestive tonic.
Diffusa means “spread out,” referencing the plant’s low, horizontally spreading habit. Aphrodisiaca reflects its historic use as a sexual stimulant. The common name “Damiana” likely derives from the Greek damao, meaning “to tame,” referring to its calming, nervine effects.
Damiana supports the urinary tract in cases of cystitis, urethritis, and interstitial cystitis and may reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy. As a nervine, it helps calm nervous excitability, anxiety, irritability, PMS, and mood depletion from chronic illness or pain. It is useful for mild depression and seasonal affective disorder.
Traditionally esteemed as an aphrodisiac, damiana increases libido across genders, improves pelvic circulation, and has been used for impotence, frigidity, coital inadequacy, and sexual neurasthenia. It may support oxytocin activity, aiding menstrual stimulation, enhancing orgasm, and hastening labor when used near the due date. Small frequent doses can stimulate delayed menstruation.
Damiana also eases bronchial spasms, supports asthma, and reduces early-stage cold or flu congestion. As a digestive aid, it reduces gas, bloating, and digestive sluggishness. Hot infusions may help lower blood glucose.
Damiana has long been revered by Aztec and Maya peoples as a sexual tonic and mood-lifter. Damiana liqueur remains a traditional preparation in Mexico. In western Mexico, it is used for colic, bedwetting, and menstrual stimulation. Indigenous North American groups used it for sexual vitality and edema. Western herbal literature documents its use for more than a century, though Eclectics debated its aphrodisiac reputation.
An aromatic, many-branched subshrub reaching 30–120(–200) cm. Stems are woody at the base with finely puberulent young twigs. Leaves alternate or appearing whorled, small (5–20 × 2–8 mm), obovate to oblanceolate, glabrous in this variety, aromatic, with crenate-serrate margins and a pair of small glands at the base. Flowers are solitary, yellow, and five-petaled, borne in leaf axils. The fruit is a small dehiscent capsule with numerous seeds. Variety aphrodisiaca is distinguished by its smooth leaves and characteristic glandular-papillose trichomes.
Avoid during heavy menstruation. Excessive use may cause headache, insomnia, or overstimulation in sensitive individuals. Use caution with hypoglycemia or glucose-lowering medications. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. Week before due date is okay to promote labor.
Tincture:
Other preparations: Capsules, tea, honey, syrup, culinary use.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.