Common Name Standardized: damiana Botanical Name Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. var. diffusa Plant Family: Turneraceae Parts Used Dried leaf. Overview Damiana has been used in Mexico and southward to Central and South America since the times of the ancient Aztec, and is still quite popular today. Although its effect on sexual desire was its primary use across cultures, it was also valued as a nerve relaxant, digestive stimulant, mood enhancer, and simply an enjoyable beverage that was given to children. In more recent times it has been used as an herbal smoke, often combined with other herbs, and a liqueur. Botany Damiana is in the Turneraceae family, yet this family is often included in the same family as Passionflower (P. incarnate) Passifloraceae. Around half of the plants in the Turneraeace family are in the genus Turnera, including T. ulmifolia (Common name ramgoat dashalong, one can only imagine what this is referring to) which is similar in appearance yet was traditionally used differently5 and is now widely cultivated in Africa. Damiana is a small sub-tropical shrub bearing aromatic serrated leaves and small bright yellow flowers. T. diffusa is native to southwest Texas, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America and Brazil.1 According to a variety of baby naming websites, the origin of the common name damiana is from the Old Greek daman or damia meaning to tame or subdue. It is the feminine version of Damian and infers that Damiana is the wild one who tames. Cultivation And Harvesting Damiana is commonly cultivated for commerce in the Baja region of Mexico. Its native range is tropical, being hardy to zone 9, and requires dry sandy soil and a lot of sun.6 Harvest leaves in warm summer months when flower is in bloom. History And Folklore It is believed that the indigenous Guaycura in the Baja region of Mexico were the first to use damiana. It was taken during religious ceremonies, yet eventually banned as its passion inspiring powers got out of hand. According to legend, this herb got distributed when the Guaycura started trading it with the Aztecs. Still today in this area, damiana is used as a flavoring for liqueur. There are several large companies located in southern Baja Mexico which distributes this beverage world-wide. The bottle is shaped like a voluptuous woman baring large breasts, full belly, and wide hips, purportedly modeled after an Incan goddess. It is said that the original margarita incorporated this liqueur rather than the standard triple-sec or orange-flavored alcoholic beverage. A bottle is often given as a gift to new brides and grooms. Damiana was also valued in the ancient Mayan civilization which spanned modern day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Hondorus. The Maya used this plant similarly to the Aztecs and Guaycara, but also believed that it helped with balance and excessive giddiness. Throughout Central and South America, there are ethnobotanical reports of damianas therapeutic qualities. In Brazil it was taken as a tea and considered a general tonic. Damiana was listed in the National Formulary from 1888 to 1947 Further, it was written in 1898, in Kings American Dispensatory, that Damiana has been eulogized for its positive effects, acting energetically upon the genito-urinary organs of both sexes…and upon the system at large, it exerts a tonic influence. This desire eliciting herb invites the mind to relax and go with the flow. It helps those that are too in their head to re-establish a connection with their more sensual side. The leaves are used to relieve excess mental activity and nervous debility in Germany, and the Dutch are quite aware of this plants ability to enhance desire. Damianas medicinal properties serve to uplift the spirit, improve digestion, relax the nervous system and to stimulate menstrual flow. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.