Damiana (Turnera Diffusa) is a medicinal plant native to Central America and has long been used by natives for medicinal purposes. It contains alkaloids which make it an effective sedative that can be used to treat insomnia. The leaves are also helpful in treating arthritis because they contain bioflavonoids that have antioxidant properties and support joint health. The root can be boiled down into tea or coffee substitute, with its caffeine-free flavor making it popular among those trying to give up their addiction to coffee!
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Synonym
Damiana is known as damiana leaves, old woman’s broom, Mexican damiana, oreganello, and the bourrique. Its scientific name is Turnera Diffusa.
Habitat
Damiana plant is a shrub native to subtropical regions in Mexico, Central America, South America, southern Texas, and the Caribbean. It also grows in parts of North America, where it is considered an invasive weed.
Damiana may be found growing under a number of different types of ecological systems: dry forest edges, gallery forests near rivers with seasonally flooded plains, wet grasslands, thorn scrub-forest transition zones.
Damiana occurs as a common plant along roadsides, riverbanks, fence rows, and pastures. It can grow on infertile soil from sea level to 2000 meters above sea level. The seeds are wind-dispersed after they mature in August or September.
Description
Damiana is a shrub that grows in dry regions of the subtropics. The leaves are green-yellowish, and the flowers range from yellow to orange. It can grow up to six feet high, with smooth bark on its main stem but rough gray or brown bark near its roots.
Damiana produces tubular yellow flowers from spring through summer, and the fruit it bears are small capsules containing many tiny seeds.
Part used
The damiana leaves and stem of the plant are traditionally used for medicinal purposes and smoked or chewed like tobacco or tea.
Traditional Uses and Benefits
Damiana is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries to help with many kinds of health problems. It can be brewed as tea or can be eaten in its whole form. This plant contains many medicinal properties and works by calming the nerves and reducing anxiety.
Its most well-known benefit is to improve sexual function by increasing libido or sex drive and enhancing arousal-helping individuals get excited about having sex. It can also affect fertility as it helps increase sperm count when taken daily overtime.
Damiana can calm your mind and relax you. This herb has been used for hundreds of years to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, treat depression or help with ADHD.
This medicinal plant has been used by Chumash Indians for thousands of years to cure stomach ulcers and is especially useful in cases where the pain associated with gastric distress inhibits appetite. It acts as a mild laxative that can be helpful for constipation sufferers if taken at night before bedtime on an empty stomach.
Damiana has been traditionally used as an appetite suppressant and to support weight loss. Its ability to reduce hunger feelings can help promote healthy eating habits and achieve a balanced diet for those looking to maintain their current weight or lose unwanted pounds.
DAMIANA has antimicrobial properties and helps fight respiratory tract infections. It helps treat urinary tract, bladder, intestinal inflammations, and fungal skin conditions such as athlete’s foot.
It contains high amounts of antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, magnesium potassium, molybdenum, selenium silicon titanium.
How to Use Damiana
As Tea: Method one – Turn on your stovetop burner and set to medium-low heat with a pot that holds at least two quarts sitting right-side-up. Pour enough water into the pot so that you’ll have about four cups remaining after adding damiana. Once the water begins simmering/boiling rapidly, add five to ten damiana leaves and let steep for ten minutes. Damiana tea should have a slightly bitter taste.
Method two – Place damiana into your teapot (if using loose damiana herbals) or brew over tea bags, pour in boiling water, cover the pot with its lid, and let sit for five to ten minutes before serving.
As Tincture: Steep one ounce of damiana leaf/flowers in four ounces of 80 proof vodka at room temperature for three weeks. Strain the liquid from the leaf matter through cheesecloth or another porous cloth after the three weeks has ended. Are you ready to use it! Keep it stored airtight at room temperature.
Dosage and Precautions
The dosage varies according to the desired effect. For mild and relaxing, without alcohol or caffeine effects: one cup of damiana tea before bedtime. Increase gradually until you feel effective enough (no more than two cups per day). You can use it in the morning or afternoon to avoid sleepiness. If used for nervousness, should avoid taking too late in the evening.
For a refreshing, non-alcoholic, and caffeine-free effect: take one tablespoon of damiana powder diluted in a cup of water or juice 30 minutes before a meal. If necessary, you can use it again after eating.
For a mild effect, damiana tea or powder should be diluted in water at room temperature and drink during meals. For more stimulating effects, it may be mixed with cold milk (cow’s, almond, or soy) without sugar and taken like that. If you want to mix damiana with juices or carbonated drinks, you must add the damiana powder.
For a stronger effect, take in capsules of 150mg diluted in water at room temperature before meals and bedtime (recommended dosage per day: maximum three capsules). Or take DAMIANA extract 250mg 30 minutes before meals and bedtime.
IMPORTANT: Please consult your doctor before taking. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications such as MAO inhibitors or antidepressants like SSRIs/SNRIs.
References
- Plant Stories: Harvesting Damiana in Mexico. https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/growing-damiana-farm
- DamianaFor Period Pain Relief | Natural Remedies For PMS. http://naturalremediesforpms.com/damiana.html
- DamianaFacts and Health Benefits. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/damiana/
- US HERBS –DAMIANA, reported to be an aphrodisiac …. https://newdrugapprovals.org/2013/12/10/us-herbs-damiana-reported-to-be-an-aphrodisiac-stimulant-mood-elevator/
- Damiana: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose …. https://www.rxlist.com/damiana/supplements.htm
DISCLAIMER
The content and information on newerapost for information and educational purposes only. It is not for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. The content is not a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription, medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers should consult a physician.
The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition.
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