Damiana Leaf (Turnera diffusa) — Bulk Dried Herb
Damiana Leaf (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana is a fragrant, aromatic shrub native to the subtropical regions of Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean — a plant whose small yellow flowers, resinous leaves, and distinctive aromatic character have made it one of the most beloved botanicals of the Mayan and Mexican herbal traditions. Used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, Damiana was introduced to Western botanical practice in the 19th century and has since become a popular botanical in contemporary Western herbalism.
Our Damiana leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its aromatic essential oils and botanical character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Turnera diffusa (syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca)
- Family: Passifloraceae (Passionflower family)
- Common Names: Damiana, Mexican Damiana, Old Woman’s Broom
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Mexico / Central America
- Appearance: Small, pale green dried leaf pieces
- Aroma: Aromatic, slightly resinous, faintly fig-like, distinctive
- Flavor Profile: Bitter, aromatic, slightly sweet, faintly spicy
About the Plant
Native to the subtropical and tropical regions of southern Texas, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Turnera diffusa is a small aromatic shrub that grows to about 2 meters in height, producing small, pale green leaves with serrated margins and small, bright yellow five-petaled flowers. The plant grows in dry, rocky soils and open scrubland. Its leaves contain a complex mixture of essential oils, flavonoids, and other botanical compounds that give it its characteristic aroma and bitter flavor. Damiana was used by the Guaycura people of Baja California and by the Maya, who prepared it as a tea. It was introduced to the United States in the 1870s and was listed in the National Formulary from 1888 to 1947.
Traditional Context
Damiana has been used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America for centuries, particularly by the Maya and the peoples of Baja California. It was traditionally prepared as a tea and used as a tonic botanical. It was introduced to Western botanical practice in the 19th century and became popular in American and European herbal traditions. It is traditionally associated with the nervous system and reproductive system in Western herbal practice and is frequently used in nervine and tonic formulas.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Oat Straw, Ashwagandha, and Skullcap in nervine tonic formulas
- Liqueurs: Traditionally used to flavor the original Margarita in Mexican tradition
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Damiana leaf maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications (particularly those for diabetes or blood sugar regulation), or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.