Turnera diffusa

Common name: Damiana, Mexican holly, Old Woman's Broom

Family: Passifloraceae

Part used: Leaves

Habitat: A shrub growing to 1-2m tall with serrate aromatic leaves 10-25cm in size, native to Mexico, California, Central America, the Caribbean and some areas of Soouth America. 

Folklore and History: Although Daminana has become famous as an aphrodisiac, Mexican families have long used Daminana as their 'normal tea' for the whole household and is generally regarded as a lifelong tonic. 

Constituents: Apigenin, tannins, resin, essential oil containing alpha-pinene, p-cymene, 1,8-cineol, arbutin, beta-sitosterol

Actions: General tonic, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, possibly adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, digestive tonic, aromatase inhibitor and anti-progesterogenic activity which may increase testosterone levels in some individuals, shown in research to be cytotoxic to certain breast cancer cell lines, mild urinary antiseptic.

Traditional and current uses:

• Orchitis, prostate hypertrophy

• Nephritis

• Anxiety, low mood or listlessness

•Low libido or sexual anxiety

• Low mood with physical weakness

• Mild gastric upset or anxiety, nervous dyspepsia

• Mild genito-urinary inflammation

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.