Damiana

Energetics: Warming, Drying, Toning

Actions: Nervine (Supports nervous system), Anxiolytic (Decreases Anxiety), Aphrodisiac (Increases libido)

Found in: Calm + Clarity

Native to Mexico and the rest of Latin America, Damiana is a delightfully aromatic herb honored for centuries by Latinx cultures, where it is referenced in folklore for its spiritual, feminine powers. It is believed that the indigenous Guaycura in the Baja region of Mexico were the first to use Damiana, and they began to trade the herb with the Aztecs¹. Traditionally and in modern times, Damiana is used as an aphrodisiac, increasing libido in both men and women². This herb serves as a tonic for the nervous system, kidneys, and sexual organs, and it helps to balance hormones and emotions while encouraging blood flow to the pelvic region³. While warming and stimulating, the herb also calms the nervous system and helps to reduce anxiety⁴.

1. Martínez, M. (1959). Las Plantas medicinales de México, Ed. Botas, México, 959, 176.
2. HOLGUIN, G., & BASHAN, L. A. M. Y. Y. La damiana, planta afrodisiaca del desierto mexicano.
3. Zhao, J., Dasmahapatra, A. K., Khan, S. I., & Khan, I. A. (2008). Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa). Journal of ethnopharmacology, 120(3), 387-393.

Sarris, J., McIntyre, E., & Camfield, D. A. (2013). Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 1. CNS drugs, 27(3), 207-219.