THW Damiana Tea Recipe

Damiana is a member of the Turneraceae family of herbs and is also known as Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiacais. It is a shrub indigenous to Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies that produces yellow flowers. It is currently also found in the United States. However, growing, possessing, or selling the herb is outlawed in Louisiana because it is considered synthetic marijuana. Damiana, also known as Old Woman's Broom, is related to the herb passionflower. 

 

Damiana is historically known as an aphrodisiac that can cause a slight high when inhaled. The effect of inhaling damiana is not unlike the impact of inhaling low doses of cannabis. The ancient Aztec and Mayan tribes used these herbs in this manner. However, over the years, it has also been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as anxiety and Depression, bedwetting, constipation, Diabetes, hormonal balance, improving stamina, and relieving water retention. 

 

Damiana's chemical composition is so complex that not all its components have been completely identified. However, it is known to contain arbutin, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, phosphorus, tannin, thymol, 0.5-1% volatile oils, and essential oils. 

 

Damiana is primarily used to relax the mind and body. The leaves and stems of the damiana shrub, which have a slightly minty or spicy flavor, are typically used for medicinal purposes. For tea-making, just the leaves are prepared. However, as pleasant as the plant's natural smell can be, damiana is known to produce bitter-tasting leaves. For this reason, it is often combined with other herbs to brew a smoother flavor. Still, one can brew a cup of tea using just damiana. 

 

 

Traditional Preparation for Damiana Tea

 

The traditional remedy calls for 2-4 grams (4-8 teaspoons) of dried leaves to be infused in a cup of boiling water, and to be taken two or three times daily. However, one or two teaspoons are more than enough to receive damiana's medicinal benefits. 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Damiana_Flower.jpg

THW Damiana Tea Recipe

You'll need a tea kettle or saucepan, a measuring cup, measuring spoons, a strainer or infuser, and two mugs.

 

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried damiana leaves
  • 1 cup of water
  • Lemon wedge or 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Raw honey for sweetness (and additional health benefits)

 

Using an infuser (if available), place the dried damiana leaves in a heatproof beverage container and set aside.

 

Bring water to a rolling boil in a tea kettle or small saucepan on the stove. A rolling boil is when bubbles have begun forming in the water, but the water is not yet boiling. Boiling water will cause the leaves to release more acid, making them bitter-tasting. Since damiana tends to be bitter, a rolling boil can help prevent bitterness.

 

Once the water is ready, measure out one cup and pour it over the loose leaves or the infuser in the cup. Cover to prevent essential oils from leeching into the air, then steep for 15-20 minutes.

 

After steeping, remove the infuser or strain the tea into the second mug or thermos.

 

You may add green stevia for sweetness in place of raw honey. However, stevia can cause diarrhea in individuals who are sensitive to it. Do not add sugar, as sugar may negate any medicinal benefits, rendering damiana useless.

 

The tea can be garnished with a slice of lemon, or lemon juice may be added for some citrus flavor. Drink immediately.

 

 

How to Store Damiana Leaves

 

Exposure to the air will degrade the freshness and potency of damiana. It should be stored in an airtight container, preferably glass or ceramic, away from heat and light.

 

 

Damiana Contraindications & Possible Side Effects

 

  • Damiana has been shown to produce mild hypoglycemia in animals, so individuals with Diabetes or Hypoglycemia should use damiana with caution, as blood sugar levels could dip and dive.

 

  • Damiana has traditionally been used as an abortifacient, so it should be avoided if one is trying to become pregnant or is already pregnant.

 

  • In excessive doses, headaches and insomnia have occurred, and convulsions have been reported in those who have taken more than 200 grams of damiana extract. When taken as recommended, no side effects have been reported.

 

  • There are no drug interactions reported. However, damiana may cause a drop in blood sugar in those taking medications to control blood sugar.