Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca
Damiana
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Turneraceae
- Genus
- Turnera
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 1 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
The leaves are used as a tea substitute and also as a flavouring in liqueurs[2]. They have a strongly aromatic slightly bitter taste[2].
- Product or use
- Tea
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
Damiana was a traditional aphrodisiac of the Maya people in Central America. It continues to be considered valuable as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, and its stimulant tonic action makes it a valuable remedy for those suffering from mild depression[2]. The whole plant is a bitter, pungent, warming herb with a fig-like flavour[1]. Its use improves the digestion, lifts the spirits, calms the nerves, regulates hormonal activity, stimulates the genito-urinary tract and rejuvenates kidney energy[1]. It is used internally to treat nervous exhaustion, anxiety, depression, debility in convalescence, impotence, premature ejaculation, prostate complaints, urinary infections, frigidity, vaginal discharge, painful menstruation, menopausal problems, poor appetite and digestion, and atonic constipation[1]. The plants are harvested when in flower and are dried for later use[1].
- Product or use
- Digestive
- Product or use
- Infertility
- Product or use
- Tonic
Environment
- Range
- Southern N. America to Northern S. America.
- Habitat
- Dry sandy or rocky places[1].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give some protection from winter cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in spring or autumn[1]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse and plant them out in early summer.
Cultivation
Requires a dry soil in a warm sunny sheltered position[1]. One report says that this species is hardy to about -5°c[1], though this needs to be treated with some caution considering its native range is entirely tropical[K]. It is possible that, whilst the plant will be cut back to the ground by cold weather, the rootstock is hardier and will re-sprout in the spring[K]. It will certainly be worthwhile trying the plant outdoors and giving the roots a thick protective mulch in the autumn[K].
References
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148