Mexican Damiana
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Mexican damiana is a small shrub; the long, broad, obovate, toothed, light green damiana leaves have few hairs on the rib; frequented by reddish twigs. Damiana is a small mint-like plant bearing fragrant yellowish-white flowers. Plant has a warm, bitter, camphor-like taste.
Where Found
Found in dry places in Texas, Baja California, and northern Mexico.
Medicinal Properties
Laxative, aphrodisiac, nervine, aperient, diuretic, stimulant, tonic
Biochemical Information
Essential oil with cineol, cymol, pinene, arbutin, hydrocyanic glycoside, bitter principle, tannin, resin
Legends, Myths and Stories
The Mexican damiana is considered the Mexican aphrodisiac and tonic. Damiana is a delicate scented herb used alone or in wine and liqueur compositions as bouquet garni.
Uses
Historically, damiana was regarded by herbalists as a stimulating tonic for nervous and sexual debility, and it held a strong reputation as an aphrodisiac. Traditional practitioners prescribed it for conditions such as spermatorrhea, orchitis, and female sexual dysfunction. It was also utilized as a digestive aid and laxative for constipation, as well as for migraines and cystitis.
In folk tradition, herbalists employed it to counter poor concentration and to promote a general sense of well-being, classifying it as a tonic for the brain and blood. It was frequently prepared in combination with saw palmetto berries.
How Sold
Damiana leaves are available from herb dealers. Also, obtainable in capsule form.
Warning
Damiana stimulates beyond the limit of our safe and healthy resources; may have ill effect on the heart. Use this herb with medical supervision.
Bibliography
, Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living , by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Co.
(1988). Old Ways Rediscovered , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, published from 1954, print 1988 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992