DAMIANA
Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca
FEATURES: Indigenous to Texas and found in Baja California, South America, and the West Indies. The
small yellow-flowered shrub has long, broad, obovate, light green leaves, with few hairs on the rib;
frequently with reddish twigs. The plant has an aromatic odor and contains a volatile oil (0.51 percent)
with a warm, bitter, camphorlike taste, two resins, a bitter principle (damianin), tannin, sugar, and
albuminoids.
MEDICINAL PART: Leaves.
SOLVENT: Diluted alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Aphrodisiac, tonic, stimulant, laxative.
USES: Damiana has strong claims as a great sexual rejuvenator in lethargy of the sexual organs, whether
the result of abuse or senility. The use, or administration, should be with care, as the claims are justified
by many who know of its influence. For those who may use it, please remember that when the system is
run down, overworked, subject to nervous tensions, etc., damiana often stimulates beyond the limit of
safety and health; stimulation beyond our natural energy level may have ill effect on the heart.
Dr. W. H. Myers of Philadelphia writes concerning damiana: “I have given it quite an extensive trial in
my practice, and as a result I find that in cases of partial or other sexual debility, its success is universal. I
pronounce it the most effective and only remedy that in my hands had a successful result in all cases.”
There are some objections to its effect on the digestive system, but combination with phosphorus and nux
vomica partially obviates this tendency. The required strength will not be known immediately; usually one
portion once a day for ten days. Also given in nervous diseases.
DOSE: Fluid extract, 15–30 drops once a day. Solid extract, 3–6 grains. Also used in pill form.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture of fresh part for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, fatigue impotence,
leukorrhea, migraine, prostate (affections of), spermatorrhea, sterility, urine (incontinence of).