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.