Family: Turneraceae
Common names: Damiana, Damiane, Oreganilla
Description: A potent mood altering herb. A small, perennial shrub bearing light green leaves whose under sides are covered in dense hairs. Yellow flowers.
Properties/Actions: Aphrodisiac,  Anti depressant,  Diuretic,  Emmenagogue,  Hormonal,  Laxative,  Nervine,  Stimulant,  Stomachic,  Tonic .
Native to: Southwestern United States and Mexico.
Traditional/medicinal uses: The tops and leaves are harvested while the plant is in flower to assure a high alkaloid content. Care must be taken to cure/dry the plant materials in the shade at a low temperature so that the more volatile constituents are not lost.
Methods of ingestion: As a tea.
Health hazards: None known.
Phytochemicals Include: Albuminoids,  Alpha-copaene,  Alpha-pinene,  Arbutin,  Ascorbic-acid,  Beta-pinene,  Cineole,  Chlorophyll,  Chromium,  Damianin,  Magnesium,  Manganese,  Niacin,  Potassium,  Resin,  Riboflavin,  Selenium,  Tannins,  Thiamin,  Thymol,  Zinc.

Damiana is a small shrub with aromatic leaves found throughout Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. The botanical name of the plant describes its use as an aphrodisiac. For more than 100 years, Damiana's use has been associated with improving sexual function in both males and females. Damiana acts as an anti depressant, tonic, diuretic, to treat coughs and as a mild laxative. It is said to relieve headaches, control bed-wetting, and stimulate muscular contractions of the intestinal tract. Damiana is a stimulating nerve tonic used for debility, depression and lethargy. The leaves are used in Germany to relieve stress and for its tonic action on the hormonal and central nervous system.

Herbal Definition: Emmenagogue: An Emmenagogue is an herb which promotes menstruation.

Damiana Link

Damiana Properties Used by Aztecs

Diuretic,  Astringent(used in cases of Diarrhea) ,  Tonic(used in cases of weakness due to excessive alcohol drinking or sexual activity),  Favors Digestion and Promotes the Appetite,  Used with Success in Cases of Impotence and Sexual Neurasthenia Provoked by Nervous Depression,  Cures Headaches Due to Excessive Drinking. (as in hangover - La Cruda).

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