Damiana
(Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a wild shrub. It is native to Texas, Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Planet: Venus and Jupter
Element: Fire
Damiana is a useful tea or smoke before ritual, especially where an altered states of consciousness is be involved, and aids with meditation and divination. It is also a good addition to ritual incense. It is also wonderfully helpful in sex magic spells.
Damiana can be smoked or drunk in a tea to aid with lucid dreaming. While some also say that Damiana helps them to sleep, others may find that damiana actually interferes with sleep, and so combine it with sleep aid herbs, such as passionflower and lavender but try it by itself first before experimenting.
Damiana is sometimes used as an apoptogenic tonic. It is associated with bringing on an improved mood, relieving stress and anxiety and general relaxation. It is also said to increase overall blood flow.
Inhaling the steam from Damiana steeped in boiling water is said to ease headaches.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking damiana if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: Damiana might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use damiana.
Surgery: Since damiana seems to affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using damiana at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Disclaimer: Any medicinal benefits given here are a product of my own research and as such should not be taken over the advice of trained medical professionals. If you are ill, please go and see a doctor. Always make sure that anything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming something you haven’t tried before.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DR BEFORE USING ESPECIALLY IF PREGNANT OR NURSING.
