Type of plant: A small aromatic shrub with dark-green leaves and small, fragrant, bright-yellow flowers and small, sweet-smelling fruits

Part used: Leaves

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: Damiana leaves have a long history of medicinal use, and it is also used to flavor beverages. The reputation of damiana as an aphrodisiac derives from various indigenous people’s traditional use of the shrub, and now several patents have been awarded for its use in medications to enhance the sexual experience.

Principal places of production: Caribbean, Mexico

When buying look for: A deep greenish-yellow to light-brown liquid with a slightly spicy, green aroma

Therapeutic properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

Therapeutic uses: Catarrh, respiratory tract irritation, menstrual cramp, menopausal symptoms, headaches, migraine, impotency, lack of sexual desire, nervous tension, nervous exhaustion

Blends well with: Basil tulsi, cananga, cardamom, cajuput, clary sage, cedarwood, fennel (sweet), geranium, ginger lily root, jasmine, lavandin, lemon, magnolia leaf, neroli, orange (sweet), patchouli, petitgrain, pimento berry, ravensara, ravintsara, rose absolute, sandalwood, tuberose, vanilla, vetiver, ylang ylang

Precautionary advice: Best avoided during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.