Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Damiana herb (Turnera diffusa) consists of the dried leaves and stems of a bush which grows in the tropical areas of America. The Aztecs used it as a remedy against impotence. The Mayas used it for pleasure and other Indian tribes used the tea for medicinal purposes. Thus it is a herb with many qualities and possible applications.

Effects of Damiana

Damiana is a sexual stimulant. It contains compounds that directly stimulate the nerves and genitals.

Damiana has a relaxing effect, gives a mild high and is said to be an effective aphrodisiac. The effects lasts for one to two hours. When used regularly for a longer period of time damiana increases potency and helps to restore the hormonal balance in women.

Damiana is a muscle relaxant. As a medicinal plant it is used against fatigue, exhaustion, hormonal disorders and congestions, although there is currently no scientific data available to back up these claims.

Preparing Damiana leaves

To make tea out of damiana herb, mix 10 to 15 grams (½ oz.) with 1 litre of water. Let this boil gently for 5 minutes, then cool it, sift it and drink a few cups.

To make damiana liquor, mix 30 grams (1 oz.) of damiana herb with half a litre liquor (Vodka) and let this soak for 5 days. Sift it and let the alcohol drenched leaves soak another 5 days in 125 ml of mineral water. Strain out the liquid and filter it. Heat the water extract until just under the boiling point and mix it with half a cup of honey. Mix the alcohol extract and the water extract in a bottle and keep for a month. The mix will sink down and the liquid will become clearer. Pour the liquid carefully in a clean bottle. For the best results take 1 or 2 glasses about an hour before the desired effect.

To use the damiana powder, mix one teaspoon with water, juice, yogurt or custard.

Warning and side effects

Damiana is relatively safe to use, although some sites report that exuberant use of damiana could lead to to liver damage. The side effects of Damiana are quite mild, in higher doses the herb can produce a laxative effect and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Links

A page with information about damiana. In short a description, its medical properties and recipes.
Erowid about damiana. A general description and some information about the (ritual) use and dosage.

Reviews

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May 1, 2012 MadManMike said:
   
“i smoked a bowl and it made me feel diffrent not really high but i did feel a head change like a really really mellow mood high.”

Jan 29, 2012 Kansas City Slim said:
     
“I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder 12 years ago and put on medications of various kinds as the effects and tolerances changed over the years. 2 years ago when I told my doctor I was going to Los Cabos to treated for my back injury he suggested I try the local damiana for 6 months. I no longer take the bi-polar meds and blood pressure med as my pressure is normal now and my sleep cycles have been much better. I rarely have bad feelings and sleep well without pills. I have been drinking damiana tea for 18 months and feel great. It helps me have more sex and be more responsive to my young girlfriend.

Recently I did not use it as much and noticed the old bi-polar feeling returning after going without it for 7 to 10 days so I am again using the tea and very happy, it keeps me of the pills.”

Dec 24, 2011 Hyperlucid said:
   
“The following is my review of the herb Damiana. I have used it as an infusion for three weeks and am otherwise an extremely lucid, clear headed and clear blooded person. The herb did affect genetalia and temperament as described in most info on-line. But I have found it also caused depression spells after stopping to use it. These diminished progressively over several weeks.
A friend of mine who has also used the herb told me of a similar reaction and the post by Blackfire seems to further confirm that ths is a common drawback of the herb. Anything that makes you contemplate suicide, even in the least, should be considered dangerous. Use exteme caution!”