All you need to know about Damiana

Damiana , whose official name is Turnera diffusa, is a small shrub native to Central and South America. You can also find this plant a lot in the Caribbean. The leaves of the Damiana have been used for centuries by locals and now the use is becoming popular in other parts of the world as well. The leaves of this plant are said to have medicinal and stimulating properties. They were also used as a tonic and aphrodisiac in the traditional medicine of the Mayans and Aztecs. Today, this is actually still the case in Mexican folk medicine. In this article, we will tell you more about Damiana!

Traditionally, Damiana was used to combat fatigue, support digestion and boost the libido stimulate. This was mainly done in Central and South America, but in the ^19th century Europeans also began to use the plant. For example, the leaves were used as an ingredient in herbal liqueurs and tonics. Here people appreciated the stimulating effects of Damiana. Yet this is not the best known use of the plant, this is as an aphrodisiac. This is partly due to the reputation Damiana received in folk medicine and literature.

The active components of Damiana include flavonoids (such as apigenin and acacetin), terpenes, phenolic acids and small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides. As a result, the plant has effects on hormonal balance and the nervous system. Possibly this is also where Damiana’s antioxidant effects come from, but this has not yet been studied well enough by scientists. Below we tell more about the active components of these leaves:

• Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Terpenes: May contribute to a mild sedative effect.
• Phenolic acids: Have potentially protective effects against oxidative stress.

Many claims for Damiana’s effects come from traditional medicine. Still, there are some scientific indications for a few effects, which you can read more about below:

• Aphrodisiac: According to this animal study by R. Estrada-Reyes et al. from 2013 extracts of Damiana can increase libido by affecting central nervous system and hormone levels.
• Antioxidant: Damiana extracts exhibit antioxidant properties in vitro, which may contribute to cell protection. This is evidenced in part by this 2023 study by Parra-Naranjo et al.
• Calming effect: Flavonoids, which Damiana also contains, are said to have anxiolytic effects. This contributes to relaxation, as Singla et al. in their 2025 study demonstrated.

Today, Damiana is used in various forms: teas, tinctures, capsules and as a flavoring in drinks. Uses can range from a mild stimulant to a relaxing herb. You basically have the following options for making use of the leaves of Turnera diffusa today:

1. Tea: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried Damiana leaves, or pieces thereof, per cup of hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. This provides a mild infusion with stimulating and relaxing properties.
2. Extract: Follow dosage instructions on the product label. With us Damiana extract for example, you should put 1 gram in a cup of boiling water and drink it after five minutes. Always start with a low dose to see how the body reacts. Optionally, you can drink the tea on an empty stomach for even more effect.
3. Capsules: Capsules containing Damiana are sometimes available. They are used for standardization of active components and easy dosing. Capsules are also a good option if you don’t like tea.

Damiana is generally considered safe under normal use. You may possibly experience side effects, especially at the beginning, but most users describe them as mild. Examples include headaches, dizziness and nausea. High doses can also cause hallucinogenic effects in some people, but again, this side effect occurs sporadically at most. Damiana is generally not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and people with certain health problems or when taking concurrent medications.

Damiana is thus a versatile plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, especially that of the Mayans and Aztecs. Scientific research supports some of its historical uses, such as stimulating libido, antioxidant effects and a mild relaxing effect. However, little scientific research has been done on how well Damiana actually works, remember this before using this plant.

According to users of Damiana – both in tea and extract form – this herb especially makes you feel relaxed after a long day. Some describe it as a “natural chill-out,” where the body and mind unwind without a heavy intoxication. Combined with yoga or meditation, they say Damiana comes into its own best. In addition, other users report a subtle increase in libido or improved mental focus, depending on the dosage.

According to an experienced herbalist within our network, Damiana in low doses tends to be stimulating, while higher doses can feel relaxing or even slightly euphoric. It is therefore advisable to always start with a small amount and observe carefully how your body reacts.

Although many effects come from traditional uses, there is growing scientific interest in the active ingredients in Damiana. However, it is still important to remain critical and use Damiana as part of a broader, conscious lifestyle. When in doubt, always consult a medical professional.

Would you like to try Damiana for yourself? Then check out our carefully selected products in the smartshop and discover what this special herb can do for you.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a physician for health complaints or for personal advice. It is wise to do so before starting to use Damiana.