Damiana: An Aphrodisiac and Herbal Remedy

By Marlene Goldman

Some tout it as the female Viagra while others focus on its medicinal properties. In either case, as Western society continues to turn its collective eye toward natural healing, Damiana sits center stage as an herbal remedy, spa treatment and even an alternative cocktail mixer.

History traces use of Damiana back to the Mayans, who valued the plant as an aphrodisiac and general tonic. The leaves of Damiana were originally used by indigenous cultures of Mexico to improve the body's functionality, as well as for specific cures to relieve symptoms of anxiety, asthma, poor circulation, colds and flu, constipation, depression, fatigue and headaches. It was also utilized as a weight loss aid and as a diuretic.

Along with chocolate, vanilla and red pepper, Damiana was introduced to Europeans when the Spaniards arrived in Mexico. Also, north of the border, doctors in Texas learned of the plant from the Native Americans and introduced it to the English-speaking colonies. From that point, the use of Damiana spread as far north as Canada.

Technically known as Turnera aphrodisiaca or Turnera diffusa, Damiana grows as a small shrub in Mexico and Central America, and is distinguished by its pale green, oval leaves and fragrant yellow flowers. When cultivated, leaves and stems of the Damiana plant are gathered at the time of flowering and then dried. These dried ingredients are then used to produce herbal products as well as the increasingly popular liqueur that's been hailed as an aphrodisiac.

This mild nerve tonic is recommended by today's homeopaths for female sexual dysfunction, with claims by some physicians that it can correct female frigidity. Damiana is a major component of countless herbal Viagra-like alternative remedies, love potions and impotence cures.

Now many spas across Mexico, especially in Los Cabos, are integrating Damiana into beverages as well as skin products and other treatments. The spa at Esperanza resort, for example, uses Damiana and honey in a body wrap for its couples treatment.

The beverage form is a light, sweet liqueur often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink, but it can also be tossed back as a shooter. According to Mexican margarita folklore, it was said to have been used in the very first ever tequila and lime juice drink, in effect, bringing about the birth of the margarita.

Damiana liqueur, popular in Los Cabos but available all across the country, is easy to spot. Just look for the bottle shaped like a pregnant woman, sculpted in the form of Mama Allpa, the Incan goddess of fertility.

The usage of Damiana is still building momentum, as people of other cultures tap into the wisdom and knowledge of the Maya and other ancient civilizations.

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