Botanical Name: Turnera diffusa
Common Name:
- English: Damiana Aphrodisiaca, Damiana Herb, Damiana Leaf, Damiane,
- Also, known as: Feuille de Damiana, Feuille de Damiane, Herba de la Pastora, Houx Mexicain, Mexican Damiana, Mizibcoc, Old Woman’s Broom, Oreganillo, Rosemary, Thé Bourrique, Turnera aphrodisiaca, Turnera diffusa, Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca, Turnerae Diffusae Folium, Turnerae diffusae herba, Turnera microphyllia.
Habitat: Mexico, South America, Texas, West Indies
Origin: Mexico
Harvested: Cultivated
Part used: Leaves
General Information:
Damiana is a small shrub; leaves smooth and pale green on upper side, underneath glabrous, with a few hairs on the ribs, ovo-lanceolate, shortly petiolate with two small glands at base; flowers yellow, rising singly from axils of the leaves. We can split into three pieces; smell aromatic; taste characteristic, bitter, aromatic, and resinous.
Damiana is mainly indigenous to Texas, and found in lower California (Mexico), South America and West Indies. The small yellow-flowered shrub has long, broad, obovate, light-green leaves, with few hairs on the rib; frequented by reddish twigs. The plant has an aromatic odor and contains a volatile oil.
How to use:
Hot Infusion:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
- You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.