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Damiana (Turnera diffusa var. Aphrodisiasca) should not be confused with damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) or Hierba (alternatively spelled Yerba) Damiana (Turnera Ulmifolia). Turnera diffusa is also called Hierba del ahorcado and Rompecamisas Macho. Other names include Aguita de damiana, Damiana de California, Damiana de Guerrero, and Mexican damiana.
Turnera diffusa var. Aphrodisiasca, as the name implies, is prescribed for all sorts of sexual dysfunction in Mexico, from impotence to infertility. It is also recommended as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, anxiety tonic, and mild diuretic.
As an appetite stimulant or diuretic, three cups of a fresh leaf infusion per day are drunk, one before breakfast and the others between meals. Thirty-two ounces of damiana leaves are boiled in one liter of water for 15 minutes. This is also the recommendation for a damiana hangover headache remedy.
To reduce nighttime anxiety and encourage restful sleep, an infusion of flor tila (Ternstroemia lineata), azahares de naranjo (Citrus sinensis), and damiana, sweetened with honey, is brewed before bed.
An anti-anxiety, anti-depressive tea is made by steeping a rounded spoonful of damiana in a cup of boiling water. This tea should be prepared daily and enjoyed first thing in the morning. Turnera diffusa has demonstrated antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects supporting this traditional use.
Frío de matriz (cold womb), believed to be one of the primary causes of infertility, is treated with a damiana douche and tea. This supposedly “warms” the womb, allowing for pregnancy to occur. Studies have shown that Turnera diffusa has a pro-sexual effect, supporting its use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, although whether or not that includes “warming” the womb is still up for debate.
Turnera ulmifolia is often used interchangeably with Turnera diffusa in many herbal remedies in Mexico, although its properties are slightly different. Hierba (or Yerba) damiana is also known as Clavel de Oro. Fresh leaves are often used for illnesses caused by inflammation and to boost immune system function. Dry leaf decoctions are used as a wash for skin infections. An infusion made from the entire plant is made for ear or kidney infections.
It is often given to alleviate menstrual problems, as a digestive aid, and cough expectorant. A cough expectorant tincture is made from 30 grams of leaves, one cup of alcohol, and three tablespoons of honey. Allow the leaves to soak in the alcohol in a tightly sealed glass bottle for six days. After that, remove the lid and place the bottle in boiling water for three minutes. Allow it to cool. Strain the leaves out and add the honey. Close the bottle again and shake it vigorously for several minutes. Take one tablespoon daily before breakfast until the cough abates.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) is often called Hierba de San Nicolás (Saint Nicolas’ herb), which should not be confused with Piqueria trinervis, also known as Hierba de San Nicolás. Other common monikers have confusing overlaps as well. Although the term damaina is the most popular name for Turnera diffusa, it is sometimes used for Chrysactinia mexicana too. Therefore, Falsa damiana is a better name in this case. Garañona is a name given to both Castilleja tenuiflora and Chrysactinia mexicana in certain areas. Using the name Mariola or Romerillo leads to alternate plants Parthenium incanum and Asclepias linaria, respectively. Tatalencho is the term for Gymnosperma glutinosum or Chrysactinia mexicana depending on the region.
On the other hand, Yeyepaxtle and the spelling variant Llellepaxtle are self-contained labels, as are San Nicolás Calanca, Tse ñ’ethi, and Damianita daisy.
Damianita is mostly associated with fertility and the sexual organs in Mexico. However, it is also employed to reduce fever, treat rheumatism and tuberculous, and lessen the severity of diarrhea. It’s considered a “cold” plant and thus apt to treat “hot” infirmities.
A decoction is prescribed for nine consecutive mornings before a woman’s period is due to make the womb more receptive to conception. This fertility treatment is prepared by adding one or two tablespoons of chopped leaves to a cup of boiling water and allowing it to steep for up to twenty minutes. An infusion of damianita should also be given to the male partner as it has both an aphrodisiac and prosexual stimulatory effect.
A hot decoction made from the entire plant is suggested as a sitz bath for relief from painful menstrual cramps. Boiled crushed leaves are used as a poultice for earache. Muscular aches and pains can be relieved by adding full branches to the bath.
A tepid douche made with a teaspoon of honey and damianita is made for treating gonorrhea, sometimes called purgación. Another douche for syphilis is an infusion made from five damianita leaves and Tlalchichinole hembra (kohleria deppearia) in a half liter of water. This same infusion is drunk for ulcers and diarrhea, one cup in the morning and one at night. Chrysactinia mexicana is both diuretic and antispasmodic, thus useful in the treatment of intestinal spasms, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps.
A douche made from a whole damianita plant is recommended for leukorrhea or flujos blancos, followed by drinking a decoction made of llantén (Plantago major) leaves. Chrysactinia mexicana has anti-fungal properties, which means if the flujos blancos are a result of yeast or other fungal infection, this douche could be beneficial.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are caused by bacteria. Therefore, the antimicrobial activities found in Chrysactinia mexicana can provide effective treatment for these and other fungal STDs.
For tuberculosis, pneumonia, or other respiratory conditions, an infusion is prepared with the damianita leaves. Chrysactinia mexicana demonstrates antimycobacterial activity, supporting this traditional use. For a respiratory tea, boil fresh branches and drink daily as “agua de uso” (in place of water) until symptoms abate. Additionally, Chrysactinia mexicana shows a pronounced antihyperglycemic effect and has a clear anti-depressant-like effect.
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