Damiana leaves are harvested from the plants Turnera diffusa, a small shrub native to Mexico, the American Southwest, and the West Indies. Damiana is also known by the name Turnera. Damiana has enjoyed a long and unwarranted history of use as an aphrodisiac, supposedly able to stimulate the libido of men and women alike. Damiana was used by the Mayans and Aztecs as a sexual stimulant, and also to treat several respiratory disorders. In the past, some people have smoked Damiana in a waterpipe as a prelude to lovemaking. It was also burned ceremoniously to enable participants to see visions.

Damiana has also been regarded historically as an important folk medicine in Mexico, often used to support treatments of sterility, impotence, diabetes, bladder infection and asthma. Damiana is also said to possess mild sedative qualities, able to induce a state of relaxation and to aid in falling asleep.

Traditional Preparation: The traditional remedy calls for 2-4 g of dried leaves infused in a cup of boiling water; 2-3 cups are taken daily.