Damiana: An Herbal Aphrodisiac

Damiana is obtained from the shrub Turnera diffusa, which is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The Mexican inhabitants of this region have used damiana for many years as a remedy for nervous disorders, and as a tonic and aphrodisiac. Damiana can be obtained online if you can't find it locally.

In herbal medicine, damiana is used to treat conditions ranging from coughs, to constipation, to depression. Damiana is reputed to help with energy, emphysema, low estrogen, female libido, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's disease, PMS, inflammation of the prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease, and problems related to the reproductive organs in both males and females.

Damiana seems to have a positive toning effect on both the nervous system and sexual organs, especially when combined in equal parts with saw palmetto berries. Some users of the combination tea (damiana and saw palmetto) report that, when taken an hour or so before sexual activity, it helps produce a more satisfactory experience. The best results seem to be obtained when damiana is taken in moderation over a period of time. Using the tea mentioned above (one cup per day for two weeks) seems to have stimulating effects on sexual performance.

Another way to prepare damiana is as a liqueur. To produce damiana liqueur, soak one ounce of damiana leaves, two tablespoons of saw palmetto berries, two tablespoons of angelica root and a l/2 tablespoon of vanilla pods in 26 oz. of whisky. After one week, strain the mixture through a coffee filter and save the liquid. Re-soak the herbs, etc. in 26 oz. of distilled water for another week and then strain this second mixture. Heat the second mix to approximately 175 degrees F and dissolve one cup of honey into the hot liquid. After the honey has dissolved, remove from the heat, allow to cool somewhat and then add it to the first (whiskey) mixture. You must then age the whole thing for at least a month! One ounce of liqueur, taken once a day for a few weeks should produce interesting results.

You should not expect a dramatic reaction when using damiana as an aphrodisiac. Its effects are more subtle and cumulative. Whether taken as a tea or liqueur, damiana is an easy, inexpensive way to spice up your love life.