Damiana
Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiaca
1:6 Brandy based spagyric of organic damiana leaves, with plant salts added.
Planetary correspondence: Mars and Venus
Physical Properties*:
Damian has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, studies have proven increased sexual performance and enjoyment for both men and women. In one study of mice it was shown to reduce the refractory period for male mice. In other study, in combination with other herbs such as ginseng and ginko, along with L-arganine, minerals and multivitamins a study of women found that 73% of them had increased sexual desire, increased clitoral sensation, a reduction of vaginal dryness, and a greater frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm – as compared to 37% in the placebo group. The most significant improvements were for postmenopausal women. A combination of phenolics, antioxidant flavonoids including apigenin, have been shown to been significantly analgesic and anxiolytic (anxiety reducing), and may carry the aphrodisiac properties. The plant also contains terpenoids (synergistic compounds), alkaloids (anti-anxiety), plant steroids (anti-inflammatory), tannins and caffeine. It has been used as a remedy for depression, which is a likely due to a combination of its anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, and stimulant properties. Damiana stimulates both digestion (as it is a bitter), and the genito-urinary tract – treating UTI’s and potentially reducing bladder weakness, bed-wetting and pain. It can also treat: Nervous exhaustion, premature ejaculation, impotence, prostate complaints, unwanted vaginal discharge, frigidity, menopausal problems, painful menstruation, debility in convalescence (lack of strength and mobility post illness or injury), poor digestion and appetite, and atonic constipation.
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Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
You can really feel this one go straight to the heart, and it kindles it with feelings of virility, passion, ecstasy and joy! I believe that Turnera is an aphrodisiac because it links the sexual organs to the heart in a very reciprocal cycle. By lovemaking from our heart we imbue the experience with greater depth, meaning, care, passion, tenderness…and love, which of course enhances and entrains the physical sides of the experience. This plant is thus a perfect remedy for those who get too focussed (or obsessed) with the physical sides of sex, and it can also help those with sexual woundings or tendencies to be detached during intimacy to come in to the enjoyment of their bodies and the joys of their heart. It can be an excellent ally for those resolving and recovering from porn addictions, or those wishing to love more from their entire beings, rather than just the mechanics of their genitals. Damiana is a clarifying herb when it comes to relationships, for often we can enter them due to escapist desires, or passions that are not founded on true compatibility… and may be arising from unresolved woundings such as abandonment wounds, womb trauma and more. Damiana attunes us to the nuances of our whole and actual desires, which may be just to experience loving connection and co-creation, without a need for intimacy. The herb helps us to walk free amidst the many fields of relationships, free because we are centred in core desires that respect ourselves and others as one, without necessarily needing us and another to be one in the physical or romantically. Damian can aid those who feel frigid and intimidated by socialising to make their way out the door with feelings of excitement and playful inquisitivity.
Recommended Dosage:
5-10 drops 1-3 times a day, or as needed/desired.
Cautions/Contraindications:
-Diabetes and surgery: Damiana may lower blood sugar levels, thus it may have interactions with diabetes medications and increase the chances of dangerous bleeding in surgery (avoid 2 weeks before and after surgery).
