Newsletter Archives - Vol. 1 No. 4 November, 2006

FEATURED ARTICLE

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Damiana was recorded to be used as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Mayan civilization, it was also a recreational type of smoke which was very popular due to the effects it produced of "giddiness and loss of balance." Mexican Indians made a drink from the damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking.

In folk medicine, damiana has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, that increases and heightens sexual desire and enhances sexual performance. Other recent laboratory studies support a second traditional use of damiana for treating gastrointestinal conditions such as dysentery. It has shown some antibacterial activity when tested under laboratory conditions, but much more study is needed to confirm or disprove the results. Damiana has also been used to treat conditions as diverse as bedwetting, constipation, depression, and headaches. Damiana has been used for such conditions as depression, anxiety, sexual inadequacy, debilitation, bed-wetting, menstrual irregularities, gastric ulcers, and constipation. In Mexico, the plant also is used for asthma, bronchitis, neurosis, diabetes, dysentery, dyspepsia, headaches, paralysis, nephrosis, spermatorrhea, stomachache, and syphilis. Damiana first was recorded with aphrodisiac effects in scientific literature over 100 years ago.

It is said that the Mayan and Aztec priests mixed the damiana leaf with smoking tobacco which was then smoked during erotic rituals to please the fertility Gods. today it is also a highly recognized "herbal smoke" which is a very smooth smoke and is easy on the lungs. it has been used as a tobacco alternative and helps people to stop smoking cigarettes. Overall Damiana as a smoke is not anything near the same as cannabis - but it is a relaxing smoke without using cannabis. Smoking the herb provides a mild marijuana-like high feeling. Turnera Diffusa contains caffeine-like alkaloids and essential oils which are responsible for much of its physiological effects. Damiana is also a common admixture to other herbs to make herbal smoking blends.

Our next featured article will be published January, 2007

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