This species is sometimes treated as comprising two varieties. Turnera diffusa diffusa is found through most of the range of the species whilst Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb. (distinguished mainly by its glabrous leaves) is restricted to Mexico and the Caribbean[].

Common Name: Damiana

General Information

Turnera diffusa is an aromatic, deciduous shrub that usually grows around 30 - 100cm tall, occasionally reaching 200cm[].
A fairly well-known medicinal plant, it is commonly gathered from the wild for local use in making teas and herbal medicines, is sold in local markets and is also exported to several countries[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern N. America southern Texas and Mexico, through Central America to Panama; Caribbean; Bahamas to the Leeward Is.; S. America - eastern Brazil

Habitat

Gravelly, brushy hills, sandy soil; at elevations from 50 - 100 metres in southern Texas[]. Mostly in dry rocky open places, sometimes on limestone or along cliffs or in pine-oak forest, at elevations from 500 - 1,950 metres in Mexico[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Turnera diffusa is a plant of subtropical and tropical climates, being found at low to moderate elevations[]. One report says that this species is somewhat cold-hardy, tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures falling to about -5°c[].
Requires a dry soil in a warm sunny sheltered position[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a tea substitute and also as a flavouring in liqueurs[]. They have a strongly aromatic slightly bitter taste[].

Medicinal

Damiana was a traditional aphrodisiac of the Maya people in Central America. It continues to be considered valuable as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, and its stimulant tonic action makes it a valuable remedy for those suffering from mild depression[].
The whole plant is a bitter, pungent, warming herb with diuretic, stomachic and antitussive properties. It has a fig-like flavour[, ]. Its use improves the digestion, lifts the spirits, calms the nerves, regulates hormonal activity, stimulates the genito-urinary tract and rejuvenates kidney energy[]. It is used internally to treat a wide range of conditions including nervous exhaustion, anxiety, depression, debility in convalescence, impotence, premature ejaculation, prostate complaints, urinary infections, frigidity, vaginal discharge, painful menstruation, menopausal problems, poor appetite and digestion, and atonic constipation[].
The plants are harvested when in flower and are dried for later use[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give some protection from winter cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Division in spring or autumn[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse and plant them out in early summer.