Damiana
April 14th, 2009
The Mayan people of Central America believed in a traditional aphrodisiac that is also considered valuable as a general tonic for people with mild depression. Damiana has a strongly aromatic, slightly bitter taste. Its leaves are used in Mexico as a substitute for tea and to flavor liqueurs.
Damiana leaves, drunk in the form of tea or smoked like tobacco, relaxes a user and gives a subtle high with sexual overtones, somewhat like that of marijuana. The tonic factor is said to be restorative for the nervous system which is partly due to the constituent thymol. Damiana is also used by women with painful and delayed periods. It is also used to cure headaches connected to menstruation.