[[File:Damiana.jpg|thumb|Alt=Turnera diffusa|350px|left|Turnera diffusa]]
Other Names: Damiana Aphrodisiaca, Damiana Herb, Damiana Leaf, Damiane, Feuille de Damiana, Feuille de Damiane, Herba de la Pastora, Houx Mexicain, Mexican Damiana, Mizibcoc, Old Woman's Broom, Oreganillo, Rosemary, Thé Bourrique, Turnera diffusa, Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca, Turnerae Diffusae Folium, Turnerae diffusae herba, Turnera microphyllia.<br>
Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. Historically, it was used mostly to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac). Damiana is also an ingredient in a traditional Mexican liqueur, which is sometimes used in lieu of triple sec in margaritas. If you are wondering why this essential oil is so costly here's the reasons we were given. The distiller pays hefty permit fees just to be able to use the raw botanical because the majority is destined as an ingredient in a Mexican liqueur that takes precedence over essential oil production. Finally, after the essential oil is distilled taxes and export permits add to the overall cost. Should you see Damiana essential oil offered for a cheap price, chances are it is an imitation, a tincture, or maceration and not 100% pure essential oil.
==Special Precautions of Damiana==
* There have been serious side effects. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract.
* Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with DAMIANA
* Anaemia is also contraindicated as research has shown that iron absorbtion can be affected.
==Health Benefits and Uses of Damiana==Damiana was used by the Aztecs for impotency and Mexican women were also known to use the fragrant leaves in a tea to stimulate love making. The Damiana plant is so important that it has been classified in Mexico as a “national treasure” and now a prohibited export as a live plant.
*Headaches.
*Bedwetting.
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Aromatherapy]]
[[Category:Essential oil]]
[[Category:Aphrodisiac]]
[[Category:Emmenagogue]]
[[Category:Nervine]]