The medicinal part of the Damiana plant is its leaves, which are harvested during the flowering season. Damiana powder (Turnera diffusa) consists of the crushed dried leaves of a bush which grows in the tropical areas of America. Aztecs used it as a remedy against impotence. The Mayas used it for pleasure and other Indian tribes used the tea for medicinal purposes. Thus it is a herb with many qualities and possible applications.
Damiana has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine throughout the world. It is thought to act as an aphrodisiac, antidepressant, tonic, diuretic, cough-suppressant, and mild laxative.
It has been used for such conditions as depression, anxiety, sexual inadequacy, debilitation, bed-wetting, menstrual irregularities, gastric ulcers, and constipation.
In Mexico, the plant also is used for asthma, bronchitis, neurosis, diabetes, dysentery, dyspepsia, headaches, paralysis, nephrosis, spermatorrhea, stomachache, and syphilis. Damiana first was recorded with aphrodisiac effects in scientific literature over 100 years ago.
The traditional remedy calls for 2-4 g of dried leaves infused in a cup of boiling water; 2-3 cups are taken daily. Alternatively, 2-4 ml of a liquid extract or 3-4 grams of powdered leaf taken twice daily can be substituted if desired.
