What is Damiana?

Damiana is a flowering shrub that originates from Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, used for centuries for various reasons. Damiana can be useful for everything from treating stomach cramps to being an effective aphrodisiac. 

Damiana in Native Culture

Damiana is a perennial shrub in the family Passifloraceae, native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The name originates from the Greek term Damia or Daman, which means “to tame or subdue.” Damiana has traditionally been used in central Mexico for spiritual cleansing rituals, in which it was burned as incense, either alone or with various other herbs. Damiana’s botanical name is Turnera Aphrodisiaca but is also known as T. diffusa. 

What is Damiana Used For?

Damiana is an herb with an interesting history and has been used for everything from asthma treatment to impotence. Traditionally, the herb was used for nervous disorders like anxiety and depression. Since the early twentieth century, Damiana has been touted as an aphrodisiac and a treatment for sexual dysfunction in men and women. It has also been used to treat asthma, coughs, diabetes, headaches, depression, and an upset stomach, amongst other things.

Effects and Uses

Damiana contains chemical compounds that act as mild central nervous system stimulants. Because of these effects, the herb is sometimes used to counteract the effects of drug addiction withdrawal and increase mental focus. Damiana has also been taken by mouth to treat sore throat, diarrhea, urinary problems, anxiety, arthritis pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, weight loss, fever, asthma symptoms, and depression. Another side effect is that it may cause symptoms of minor euphoria.

Smoking Damiana

Smoking Damiana is thought to be sedating and a mild aphrodisiac. It has a sweet flavor that makes herbal cigarettes smooth and pleasant to smoke. Damiana has been seen as an alternative to smoking tobacco, and anecdotal reports also describe the effects of smoking Damiana as being similar to Cannabis.

How does Damiana Work?

Damiana contains many chemicals, including flavonoids, sugars, resin, tannins, glycoside esters, alkaloids, saponins, volatile oils, and free acids. The mechanism of action on the body still requires research, but some studies have shown that the herb exhibits a similar effect to the anti-anxiety medication diazepam. 

Damiana Health Benefits

Damiana helps create a general sense of well-being due to its boost in energy levels and mental alertness. It also increases blood flow throughout the body because it is rich in flavonoids that increase nitric oxide production. Damiana can be used for male and female enhancement because it contains many nutrients that increase sexual functioning, virility, energy levels, and overall well-being. It even has been shown to have some antimicrobial properties against pathogens like yeast and bacteria.

Does Damiana do Anything?

Does Damiana work? Unfortunately, a lack of scientific research does not prove that Damiana does anything significant for sexual function or other health benefits. Still, it has been used for hundreds of years. Some studies suggest Damiana may help with mild depression and anxiety, but you may get better effects from other medicines. Even so, Damiana is used by many who tout its benefits.

Damiana Benefits Hormones

Using Damiana can help balance the female hormones estrogen and progesterone and reduce symptoms of menstruation and menopause. Damiana is often used as an aphrodisiac to increase libido, but people can also take it for other uses.

Reasons to Smoke

Damiana is smoked for many reasons, including its mild psychoactive properties, health benefits, and its use as a tobacco substitute. Damiana contains high levels of thujone and yohimbine, which gives the feeling of euphoria and relaxation similar to Marijuana when smoked. Smoking Damiana can make a person feel very relaxed, somewhat sexually aroused, and can slow thoughts. 

Damiana and Hemp Cigarettes: Soje Floral Blend

The herb has benefits for both mental and physical health. It can help to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while also aiding in digestion. Damiana is known for its benefits from smoking it, and because of this, it is the second primary ingredient in floral blend hemp cigarettes from Soje. This floral blend also contains Hemp flowers, Raspberry leaf, Uva Ursi, Lobelia, Echinacea, and Lavender to provide you with valuable health benefits. If you are looking for a way to relax and enhance your mood, Soje,s floral hemp cigarettes may be the perfect solution.