Damiana and Divine Experience
MIND
Damiana, Turnera diffusa, which means to turn | widely spaced is an ally for encouraging flow and inviting connection. It’s native habitat is South Texas and Mexico, into Central and South America. Bright yellow flowers and dark green leaves help identify this woody shrub. Leaf and stems are used in medicine for tea, tincture, steams, infused oils, and more. It was used widely in liqueurs and aphrodiasic formulas, but interestingly analysis shows this plant has strong anti-anxiety properties. Depending on dose, it may be beneficial for a variety of nervous system concerns, primarily from a compound called apigenin. Gastrointestinal and Respiratory benefits are also well known, and has tonic benefits for the endocrine system. Whether you desire quick connection, or long-term healing, Damiana holds possibilities for you!
I love Damiana for the calming effects it has on the nervous system, while also a stimulating circulation, specifically in the reproductive organs. It makes a lovely simple infusion, bringing gentle uplift to the body and spirit. Damiana is also fantastic in formulation and can help us connect with ourselves and others. It is grounding, warming, soothing, and a beautiful bitter tonic herb to have near by. - Tasha
BODY
Damiana is one of the friendliest herbs I know. Most people find themselves intrigued, noticing an almost instant desire for more desire. And if you follow the curiosity the rich smell, full texture, coloration, taste each work to invoke a more complete sensory and sensual experience. So often we speak of aphrodisia as a stimulant experience. It is a driver of movement. Damiana is no exception, however, this ally also softens and opens the heart, mind, and spirit skillfully into receptivity. A balance exists in damiana, a duality even, that creates more harmonious and intentional flow. There is something euphoric about being in the presence of this medicine, almost other worldly. And at the very same time this creates room to experience safe and embodied physicality.
Damiana, also known as Turnera diffusa, is mostly commonly used in smoking blends, and for its aphrodisiac qualities. Damiana is also a great stimulating nervine, which means it helps to stimulate the nervous system and improve overall mood. For me Damiana is an amazingly uplifting herb, it helps to put a smile on my face and some silliness in my heart. Damiana is used as a digestive tonic as well, because of its bitter action, to increase digestion and relieve sluggish bowels and minor constipation. - Amy
Spirit
To heal a heart, to create space and gentleness, ease burden, offer peace, this is the spirit of damiana. It moves energy from the root of the body to the heart center, and activates dreaming. Damiana has been used in love potions, mojo/medicine bags, ritual spells, and ancestral offering. It is commonly used in smoking and incense blends for blessing energy. Damiana is a great herb for those seeking to enhance and connect to their “clar” senses. But just remember to approach with gratitude and without greed.
I always think of damiana when I want to enliven the emotional heart and bring circulation to the pelvis. I lean to it for its warm and stimulating energetics.- Carly
I recently experienced a heart break and on a recent shift in the shop I reached for my ally Damiana. This herb has antidepressant action, in addition to being a nervous system tonic, so I knew I wanted it in my blend. I created the smoke blend I am contributing to this month's box to soothe my heart, nervous system and soul. I hope it will soothe you in these ways too. I deeply enjoy Damiana's grounding stimulation and delicious flavor. It is said that Damiana helps to regulate the pituitary gland, another reason I reached for this friend to help me regulate my system. I consider Damiana to be an activator herb, bringing synergy to my blends and therefore tend to use smaller portions of it. I also find Damiana to be helpful in vision work. This is a herb that you don't want to use long term however, as it may interfere with the body's assimilation of iron and we know how important it is to stay mineralized! So be sure to take breaks when working with this beautiful friend. - Lilli