DAMIANA HERBAL MONOGRAPH
DAMIANA - Turnera diffusa / Turnera aphrodisiaca
Family: Passifloraceae.
Sub-family: Turneroideae.
Description: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a a small shrub with bright yellow flowers, native to Central & South America, and has a long history of use as a restorative & mildly stimulating tea, and as a powerful anti-depressant. As an anxiolytic herb, Damiana is often used to relieve stress, anxiety & headaches, uplift the mood and encourage relaxation.
Parts used: aerial parts.
Taste: pungent, aromatic, bitter.
Energetics: warming, toning, drying . Warming to the kidneys, affinity with the genitourinary system & nervous systems. Indicated for excess cold, stagnation and tension. Decreases Kapha and Vata, increases pitta.
Constituents: Alkaloids, Volatile Oil , Hydroquinone, Flavonoids , Cyanogenic glycosides, Terpenes, Thymol, Beta-sitosterols, Apigenin, Llimonene, Alph & beta-pinenes, Luteolin.
Actions: Tonic, carminative, antispasmodic, trophorestorative, mild diuretic, diaphoretic, bitter aromatic, emmenagogue, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, euphoric, mild laxative, mild purgative, stimulant, stomachic, testeromimetic, circulatory stimulant, stomachic, urinary antiseptic, antibacterial.
Traditional Uses: In. Mexico, a traditional love potion is made from the juice of freshly squeezed Damiana leaves and fresh sugar cane juice. The dried leaves are drank as an everyday tea in Mexico, and it is known to be a safe plant. Known traditionally to heal intestinal ulcers and to balance blood sugar. Historical evidence suggests that ancient Mayan priests used Damiana in their rituals to improve meditation and divination skills, and as an herbal smoke. The Mayan word for Damiana literally translates to “asthma broom’. The Maya also chewed on the leaves and used them as a poultice. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Damiana is known as Da Mi, and is said to enter the Kidney and Liver channels. Da Mi is said to lifts the Spirit, calm the Shen, tonify Kidney yang, strengthen Jing (essence) and harmonise the menstrual cycle.
Medicinal Uses: Anti-depressant: Damiana’s complex phytochemistry is likely to enable a synergistic effect as an anti-depressant herb. Apigenin, a flavone compound in Damiana, has been found to have a number of nervous system actions. Studies have found that Apigenin is anti-nociceptive (sensory system involved in pain recognition) and also anxiolytic. The cyanogenic glycosides present in Damiana also contribute to regulating the nervous system.
Damiana is also thought to work via a GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) moderating effect. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has many effects on the human body, including slowing down the brain by blocking signals in the central nervous system. This produces a calming effect which can help reduce anxiety, stress and fear. GABA also helps regulate the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
A study was carried out to investigate the anti-depressant & anxiolytic-like effects of an aqueous extract of Damiana on adult male mice. The results showed a strong anxiolytic & antidepressant effect without affecting locomotor activity. (Additionally, the highest dose improved cellular turnover in the testes of mature mice.)
Nervous system tonic: Damiana has an interesting effect on the nervous system due to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system, as well as harmonise the autonomic nervous system. This gives Damiana a mood enhancing & uplifting action whilst also being a relaxant and anxiolytic, making Damiana a relevant remedy for conditions involving stress and anxiety. Often used for fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress.
Apigenin is believed to be the “active” constituent in Damiana which reduces anxiety. Apigenin is a flavone found in many plants in the Aster and Mint families, and has many benefits that contribute to an overall sense of well-being. It is anti-inflammatory, induces cell death in some cancer cell lines, and acts as an antioxidant. Most significantly, it also acts to inhibit GABA-receptors in the central nervous system to produce its anti-anxiety effects.
Aphrodisiac: Damiana acts as a tonic on the central nervous system & hormonal system. A potent aphrodisiac for men & women, it is known to restore sexual vitality and strengthen the reproductive system by enhancing blood flow to the pelvic region. Especially indicated for people who are anxious and fearful of expression (performance anxiety) .Damiana is known to lift the mood and spirits, and to energetically “make you feel comfortable in your body” - therefore expressing yourself. Damiana is beneficial for those who have nervous debility - fatigue and burnout - especially when accompanied by a low libido and fear of sexual expression.
Reproductive system tonic: Damiana is a warming & mildly stimulating aromatic herb with an affinity to the pelvic region, stimulating circulation in this are and bringing fresh blood to the reproductive system. It is known to assist with erectile dysfunction & arousal, and with painful periods, and decreases blood clots in menstrual blood. Studies suggest that Damiana extract, and its anti-aromatase activity, help the body stop the conversion of some testosterone to estrogen, thereby increasing testosterone levels in men. In trials using a combination of Arginine and Damiana, pre & post-menopausal women “experience significant improvement in desire and sexual responsiveness after 4 to 6 weeks of daily use”. In another trial, a combination of Korean ginseng, Damiana, Arginine & Ginkgo biloba was shown to improve the sexual function in women, possibly by increasing nitric oxide levels leading to increased blood flow.
Urinary System: Damian is a mild antibacterial & antiseptic to the bladder and urinary system, due to the hydroquinone content. Damiana is beneficial for those who are prone to cystitis or urinary tract infections, alongside other herbs such as Cranberry and Cornsilk.
Gastrointestinal System: Damiana is a warming, bitter herb that has a soothing effect on the digestive system. A high volatile oil content gives this plant its carminative action. Carminatives are soothing to gas & bloating; helping peristalsis. Especially good for those with constipation and digestive disturbance from stress & anxiety.
Astrological correspondence: Venus, Pluto.
Chakra: Sacral.
Contraindications & cautions: Damiana may lower blood sugar levels. Taking Damiana in conjunction with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low. To be avoided during pregnancy & breastfeeding. Anyone currently undergoing hormone treatment, should speak to their medical practitioner before beginning any herbal supplement that contains Damiana.
SHOP HAPPINESS TEA WITH DAMIANA HERE.
References: Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.
Hardin, J & Rose, K. Materia Medica : Profiles & Uses of Herbs, 2016.
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/damiana/
https://medicinalplantindex.com/damiana/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513311/
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.