Damiana

[Guest guest]

Does anyone have any thoughts on Damiana and it's possible uses?

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

the uses of damiana are probably out of scope for this list because it

is not an Indian herb and nor is there any real knowledge of it from

within an Ayurvedic context

 

nonetheless, i offer the following:

 

Damiana, Hierba del amor (Mexico), Chanana (Brazil) or Turnera diffusa

(scientific binomial) is found throughout sub-tropical to tropical

regions of South America, Mexico, the West Indies, and the southern

United States. It is purported to have been used by both the Mayan and

Aztecs as a sexual sacrament, traditionally smoked or drunk as a tea

before making love. Today this tradition has continued in the

commercial preparation of a Damiana cordial that is commonly available

in Mexico - you can find them packaged in rather suggestive bottles, of

a female figure with pendulous breasts and a large tummy. Damiana was

also used more generally however as a folk medicine in Mexico in the

treatment for genitourinary disorders, infertility, and bronchial

asthma. Although Damiana has venerable history of use as an

aphrodisiac, how it achieves this effect is not only poorly understood,

but has been a subject of debate among western-trained herbalists. It

seems reasonable to suggest however that this effect is mediated by

Damiana's established antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Thus

Damiana may be more akin to a 'mood-enhancer' such as marijuana, rather

than the rejuvenating aphrodisiac used in China and India (e.g. Panax

ginseng, Withania somnifera). In the treatment of genitourinary

disorders however its efficacy is not in dispute, and mention it in

chronic cystic and renal catarrh, where it helps to relieve irritation

of the urinary mucous membranes. As a bitter tonic Damiana improves

digestion, and may help constipation, especially in cases where fear

and anxiety prevail. In respiratory disorders Damiana is used in

irritation and cough, and as an astringent, to check hypersecretion

from the respiratory mucosa. Some herbalists have found success in

using the herb in post-partum depression, PMS, and menopause. From an

Ayurvedic perspective i would say that it relieves all three doshas,

but perhaps increases vata if used in high doses (only b/c of its mood

altering capacity, i haven't observed this personally).

Caldecott

 

> Does anyone have any thoughts on Damiana and it's possible uses?

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

[Guest guest]

> I don't know aperient means.

It means gently laxative.

 

> It says dosage 3 - 6 grams.

28 g is one ounce

 

> I work in fractions of/teaspoons - can

> someone translate for me?

 

grams and oz are mass, tsp/tbsp/cups is volume, so it depends on

whether the herb is crude or powdered - this will affect the volume

safe range of the finely sieved powder would be 1/2-1 tsp, upwards of 2

or more in specific conditions

or as an infusion, 2 tsp in 1 cup steeped for 10 minutes

Caldecott