Damiana - TeaWiki

Damiana (Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to the American southwest (Texas) and Mexico.

Other names: Herba de la pastora, damiane, the bourrique, Mexican damiana, Mexican holly, damiana de Guerrero

Table of contents
1. Classification
2. Description
3. Traditional usage
4. Side effects
5. Tea blends
6. Chemical makeup
7. Learn more
8. References

Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order:

Family: Turneraceae

Genus: Turnera

Species: Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodiasiaca (synonym)

Description

Damiana (Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to the American southwest (Texas) and Mexico. It has been used as an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs and Mayans for thousands of years.

Traditional usage

This list reflects the "traditional usage", which should be considered folklore unless supported by a scientific study. Studies, where available, are quoted and referenced. See the Disclaimer below.

Anxiety - Damiana is believed to help relieve anxiety through its effect on the central nervous system, although no studies were reviewed to confirm this.

Bladder Infections - Damiana is believed to help relieve the irritation of the urinary tract due to infection, although no studies were reviewed to confirm this.

Headaches - Damiana is believed to help relieve headaches, although no studies were reviewed to confirm this.

Respiratory Disorders - Damiana is believed to help relieve the symptons of repiratory disorders by relieving the irritation of the mucous membranes, although no studies were reviewed to confirm this.

Sexual Dysfunction - Damiana has long been thought to help with male impotence and to enhance female orgasm, though no studies were reviewed to confirm this.

Ref: [2][3][4]

Side effects

This list reflects side effects which should be considered folklore unless supported by a scientific study. Studies, where available, are quoted and referenced. See the Disclaimer below.

Iron Absorption - Damiana may interfere with iron absorption.

Ref: [2]

Tea blends

Damiana can be used alone as a tea or blended with other herbals. Common blends include:

Damiana/Mint - Damiana is often blended with either peppermint or spearmint.

Note: the above combinations of herbs and their effects should be considered "folklore" and are not based on clinical studies. See the Disclaimer below.

Chemical makeup

This list of chemicals represents the leaf material only, where possible, and is not comprehensive.

Albuminoids

Aluminum

Arbutin

Ascorbic-acid

Ash

Gamma-cadinene

Calamenene

Calcium

Carbohydrates

Beta-carotene

Chlorophyll

Chromium

Cineole

Cobalt

Alpha-copaene

P-cymol

Damianin

Essential Oils

Iron

Magnesium

Manganese

Niacin

Phosphorus

Alpha-pinene

Beta-pinene

Potassium

Protein

Riboflavin

Selenium

Silicon

Sodium

Tannins

Thiamin

Thymol

Water

Zinc

Ref: [1]

Learn more