Damiana is an herbal remedy that is reputed, in Mexico, to have the properties of an aphrodisiac, and is also used as a stimulant and nerve tonic, similar to ginseng. There are two species of this small shrub with yellow flowers, Turnera aphrodisica and Turnera diffusa. Both species of the damiana leaf are used interchangeably. The native range of these plants is from the Southwestern United States to South America and the West Indies. Other uses that have been reported include as a hallucinogen, laxative, an anti-depressive and anti-anxiety, and it has been used for asthma, disorders of the kidneys, menstruation, and pregnancy. http://myhealth.ucsd.edu/library/healthguide/en-us/Cam/topic.asp?hwid=hn-2077004 http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/745-traditional-chinese-medicine-can-help-adrenal-fatigue.html

Damiana herb can be consumed by drinking of decoctions (damiana tea), by smoking, and ingestion of pills, capsules or extracts. There are various recipes in Mexico for a rum liqueur that contain this herb, as well as vanilla, cinnamon, galangal, pimento berries, and honey. Kumar S, and Taneja R. 2006. Sharma A. Pharmacognostic standardization of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward. J. Med. Food 9:254-260 http://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Damiana.shtml Kumar S, Sharma A. 2005. J Herb Pharmacother. 5:13-21. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/damiana.html http://faeriekat.wordpress.com/2008/01/12/d-is-for-damiana/

On this site, you can find historical information on the use of damiana, fast facts, and information about active ingredients and scientific studies. There are also Google links, news and blog sections for more information, as well as related links on Mahalo on the right side of the page. If you have questions, a box is provided on the right. Previous answers are found at the bottom of this page.

Damiana herb, consisting of both species of Turnera, are reputed to have a long history of use by the indigenous people of Mexico and the Mayans. The Mayan name for the herb is mis kok, reflecting its use in a decoction for improving breathing. In 1699, missionary Jesus Maria de Slavatierra was the first to document and name the plant damiana, after observing the use of it as an aphrodisiac herb. The herb was introduced as an aphrodisiac to the U.S. market in 1874, 50 years after it was re-discovered by an Austrian botanist in Mexico. The formulator of Coca-Cola, John Pemberton, also formulated a drink containing cola, coca, sweet wine, and damiana, which he named French Wine Coca. http://www.entheology.org/edoto/anmviewer.asp?a=43&z=5

Regarding scientific evidence for the potential aphrodisiac effect of damiana, there has been only one research study on animals that has demonstrated its potential to enhance sexual activity in mice. It seemed to work only in those mice that were sexually exhausted. Human studies have not been published to date. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19501274?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=2

Although scientists have yet to isolate any specific components that could confer a hallucinatory effect or an experience similar to that conferred by marijuana, there are many testimonials by individuals who attest to having a "high" when smoking the herb. http://www.azarius.net/search/?q=damiana http://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Damiana.shtml http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li-HWo17sFA The smoke is reported to be too harsh in some testimonials, and the effect on the consciousness is attested to be somewhat different than that conferred by marijuana.

Damiana is frequently sold in products which have a number of components that have the reputation for increasing sexual libido, such as ginseng, horny goat weed and maca, thus confusing one as to whether this product, by itself, confers aphrodisiac properties. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/aph.htm Products containing the mix of ingredients, including damiana, which are listed in the "Top Brands" section below have had significant positive response in consumer feedback. The herb can also be found in whole food stores that have herb collections.

• Orexis - Damiana is combined with 6 other herbs, for sexual enhancement http://www.mensblogtalk.com/contactus.php http://www.orexis.com/prodinfo_ingredients.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on the uses of Damiana.