Damiana: natural aphrodisiac plant

Published: 08/29/2005 - Updated: 08/08/2019

When returning our eyes to the natural life, a primitive life, trying to lead a life according to the rules of Mother Nature, many of us have begun years ago to revitalize the role of medicinal plants, the wisdom we have as primitive legacy curators: Ancient Shamans who studied the properties of each element of nature in it looking for medicines for our ills.

From Amazon area, a plant whose virtues have been studied by ethnobotanists is known, with great accuracy and was named Damiana (Aphrodisiac Turnera).

The Damiana is a small shrub that has aromatic leaves throughout Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. The botanical name of the plant, Aphrodisiac Turnera, describes the traditional use of Damiana as an Aphrodisiac.

  • Common name: Damiana
  • Scientific name: Aphrodisiac Turnera
  • Part used: leaves
  • Presentation: Bag of 40 g.

Description: The Daminana is a perennial, it remains several years in the field, wild, or yellow with reddish stems, very branched, reaching measure 30 cm. 1.5 m. high. Its leaves are up to 2 cm. long with a green cream and bright white underside oval, rough, toothed and some hairs mainly on its underside. Its yellow flowers are 8 to 12 mm. Long, and are solitary and from the axils of the leaves provided with five petals. The fruits of Damiana are capsules opening in 3 valves when mature. It blooms from July to November.

Traditional Uses

The ancient Maya civilization used Damiana for the "get dizzy and lose balance", and for its aphrodisiac effects. Today indigenous women take it to increase sexual enjoyment.

Between 1888-1947, the paper and the tonic of Damiana was listed in the National Formulary (NF). For over 100 years the use of Damiana has been associated with improved sexual function of women and men.

In the Netherlands, Damiana is known for its ability to enhance sexuality and its positive effects on the reproductive organs. The pharmacology of the plant suggests the alkaloids could act similarly to testosterone. The chemical composition of Damiana is complex and its components have not been fully identified. However it is known that contains a 0.5-1% volatile oil, gonzalitosine (glycoside), arbutine, tannins and damianine (a brown bitter substance). The leaf also contains beta-sitosterol, which could account for the effects on the sexual organs.

In one liter of water, bring to a boil and put leaves (25 g, approximately), strain and drink three times daily after each meal, it is bitter and mucilaginous and acts quickly, in less than 20 minutes. Its action is enhanced when associated with quinine.

It seems amazing that a plant so powerful can be purchased for little money, but it is true and for a very modest sum leaves can be purchased directly or a mother tincture.

We recommend taking it diluted in a glass of water or mixed with other infusion to weaken its bitter taste. The fluid extract is well tolerated and the dosage has not contraindications. It is important to try low doses the first few times … ten, fifteen drops and then see the effect before proceeding.

It is a plant that generates a good dose of humor and sexual desire; subtraction test-only under the supervision of someone who knows their meaning, for those who require extraordinary virtues.

The Damiana contains arbutine, chlorophyll, volatile oils, resins and tannins. It can also relieve headaches and to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. In addition to the formulations: infusion of leaves or the mother tincture, it can also be prepared on the basis of dry matter in the form of tablets, alone or with other natural elements with similar function as guarana, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, vitamins, DHEA, Zinc and the amino acid L-arginine in the mechanism of importance.

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