Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Does The Damiana plant get you high? Not really. It is mildly psychoactive however. Psychoactive doesn't mean what people think all the time, as it can mean: covert, overt, poisonous, psychedelic, or deliriant. This is a covert psychoactive that borders on overt. It is weaker than cannabis but stronger than tea. Damiana does NOT contain research chemicals, or any type of drug. It's NOT laced, nor is it a "designer drug". Ethnobotanicals are plants that NATURALLY produce drugs and medicines, like how Tobacco produces nicotine, Marijuana produces THC, and how Peppermint produces Menthol.[11][12] Members of the Pensacola FBI, DEA, and SRCSO however, took it upon theirselves to project their loseryness onto me, Bouncing Bear Botanicals, Edens Ethnobotanicals, and Meridian Botanicals(the entire industry actually), making false defamatory claims that Bouncing Bear was "lacing ethnobotanicals with drugs", when really the K2 that the owner of BBB sold out of Sacred Journey was where the confusion was coming from. Ethnobotanicals are not laced with drugs. Bouncing Bear was allowed to operate after the "raid" in 2011(it was a robbery), because the shop was a legit business, and those products are ethnobotanicals, not k2. Here's proof, as the BBB was in business until 2019, way after the banning of those products and the "raid"(robbery), and that they were NOT shut down by the government, rather went out of business.
Classification:
Aphrodisiac;[1][2][3][5] Mildly psychoactive;[1][2][3][5] (NOT a psychedelic); Adaptogen;[4] Diuretic;[4] Anti-microbial;[4] Anti-oxidant;[4] Stimulant(contains Caffeine)[4]; Like other members of its family, it is also used to relieve fatigue and nervous exhaustion, as well as impotence. Damiana was and still is also popular among the Native Americans. They use it as a diuretic, tonic, and nervine.[8] A tonic is a type of medicine that: "increases body tone, or that invigorates, restores, refreshes, or stimulates."[11]Plant Family: Passifloraceae;[5] Genus: Turnera;[5] Species: diffusa;[5] O.G. Observation: Damiana is in the same plant family as Passion flower! THAT'S AN EXCITING FACT TO ME!
Common nicknames: herba de la pastora, Mexican holly, mizibcoc, "old woman's broom", oreganillo[1]
Smell: Damiana has a very sweet smell, very unique. It may smell good to some, nauseating to others. It depends on what you like. The potency of the aroma can help you to judge the quality of the product. It reminds me of lemonade for some reason. I always had the dream of making a really awesome aphrodisiac lemonade in my ethnobotanical shop, that I would spike with damiana isolate, and full spectrum extract. I would add maybe 2mg of d9thc to activate it, and perhaps a light micro-dose of passion flower for its harmala content, to act as an MAOI an amplify the absorption of the other ingredients. It would be a fire blend, and the end goal of my aphrodisiac lemonade would be that you would notice the effects, they would not be under your radar. You should make your own at home! It will be fun.
Native Habitats: Americas(Peru, Mexico) and Africa.[5] Remember, the Native Americans used it too, so it grows in our country(The USA).[8]
Properties/Medicinal Benefits:
[1] anaemia, bronchitis, cough, diabetes, fever, fungal disease, gastrointestinal complaints, pain, pulmonary and respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and women׳s health problems;[3] antianxiety, antiaromatase, antibacterial including antimycobacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, adapatogenic, antiobesity, antispasmodic, cytotoxic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and aphrodisiac activities[3] [6] Oneirogen(dreams)[7] Aphrodisiac;[7] nervous system, depression, anti-cough, diuretic, nervine;[7] One study suggest that Damiana is good for the heart, stating that "Damiana is promising in protecting heart structure and functions", thanks to particular phytochemical components.[10]Works well with:
Mullein, Cannabis, and Passion Flower(an MAOI that contains harmala and harmaline). If I may offer an O.G. Observation: Cannabis makes the effects of damiana more noticeable. This is probably why it WAS being laced with jwh-018 back in the "k2" days, and sold as "incense". Peppermint, mugwort, chamomile, gotu kola, rosemary, and rose petals [7] Traditionally, Damiana was used in mixtures ( combined with other plants to get the desired results medically )[7]Phytochemicals:
flavonoids, terpenoids, saccharides, phenolics, and cyanogenic derivatives;[1] luteolin 8-C-E-propenoic acid, luteolin 8-C-β-[6-deoxy-2-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-xylo-hexopyranos-3-uloside], apigenin 7-O-(6‘ ‘-O-p-Z-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranoside), apigenin 7-O-(4‘ ‘-O-p-Z-coumaroylglucoside), syringetin 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside], and laricitin 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside][1] Cineol, a- and B-pinene, p-cymene, and caffeine[7] maltol glucoside, phenolics, cyanogenic glycosides (7 different compounds), monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, the polyterpene ficaprenol-11, fatty acids, and caffeine; [3]All of these are documented on academic databases like PubChem and Google Scholar. I link to them at the bottom of every page. [ Note this is not all of them that exist within the plant, and I never claim to cover every one of them. I try to get as many as possible listed though. ]
Warnings: Extreme doses of this stuff are sure to cause undesirable side effects. Overdose can cause: headache, horrible diarrea(it's a laxative in EXCESSIVE DOSES), etc. There are a lot of b.s. warnings on big pharma sites though, so beware of serpent propaghanda and do your own scholarly investigation. They always add stuff to the list that's not true. I can't imagine what would happen if you consumed a large amount of a free-base of this stuff, but I can't imagine that it would be pleasant. Each plant has its own unique purpose, and using them in any other way than that which God has intended, can lead to negative results. Let's not blame God, nor his gifts to us for this. When used in reasonable amounts, it should cause no one any problems. It can be taken orally, drank, or made into a tincture. It appears to be active when consumed orally.
Preparations/Dosages: Smoked, or drank in tea. When smoked, one or two light puffs is all you need(at least for starters). Smoking an entire joint of Damiana, is too much, and usually leads to headache. It's not really good when smoked, but some people do it. Excessive use can cause headache, diarreah, and other negative side effects, especially if smoked. It's much better in a tea form, or just taken orally without being made into a tea or a tincture. Consider also how it was grown, organically or with chemical fertilizer? For brewing tea, you'll want to add a small drop of oil to the water so it doesn't boil over. Use 1-2 tsp of herb, and cover the tea with a lid so that volatile alkaloids do not evaporate. Allow it to cool before removing the lid. This is a method that I came up with to preserve the potency of the remaining liquid. A tincture is made by soaking the plant material in high proof liquor like Grain Alcohol for about a month. Shake it frequently, and keep it in a cool and dark place. Tinctures ensure that light nor heat damage any active alkaloids in the plant matter. A spagyric is an ancient alchemical preparation procedure where the oils are separated, the salts extracted from the plant ash using alcohol, and then they are all recombined to the spirit(tincture) to make the final product.
Quick investigative reminder: Damiana is in the same plant family as Passion Flower! Passion flower produces and contains harmala, harmaline, harmin, and harmol, much like Banisteriopsis caapi vine!(Ayahuasca vine!)[13] So plants in this family tend to be psychoactive
What is phytochemistry: Damiana and other medicinal, psychoactive plants, and "ethnobotanicals", contain microscopic wonders (miracles even) that are grouped into categories, and labeled different things by researchers, such as "compounds", "alkaloids", and "phytochemicals".[11][12] These ethnobotanicals produce these complex medicines, using the energy harnessed from phytosynthesis, and phytochemist study them for their medicinal value.[11][12] Serpent medical knows this, and either free-bases them and then bans their source(the ethnobotanical that produces them), or spreads disinformation about them in a feeble attempt to have them prohibited. They also use their friends in the FDA to bully people who talk or sell certain things, like Ephedra sinica and Kratom for example. I'm here to call them out, and reveal the truth. Albert hoffman, the guy who discovered LSD, was a chemist who worked for a pharmaceutical company, and he was into everything discussed on my website here(including ethnobotany and phytochemistry).[14] Drug companies want to suppress these scientific facts that are hidden in plain sight, because their monopoly depends on it. Freemasons and other pagan cults are tied into the modern pharma industry as well.[2] I have personally been ganged up on them over this project, and my last operation, "botanicalguides.com".
Genesis 1:29 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for nourishment(health; meat; food; wellness; vitality)".
Damiana is something I was very excited about when I first heard of it. I heard it was a psychoactive plant and of course, curiosity earned that shop the sale. The catch is, psychoactive doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be what you want, because green tea and chocolate are also psychoactive, but are not really that great in terms of being a narcotic. Know this, because people are confused about this type of terminology. If you're looking to get "high", you'll be disappointed. It's legal for a reason. The potency varies, and it is somewhat less potent than the weakest Cannabis, but stronger than the strongest tea. The effects are noticeable, but it depends on the quality of the product. High potency Damiana, produces subtle but noticeable psychoactive effects. The psychoactive effects produced by Damiana, are not enjoyable enough for its popularity to take off. This plant has remained under the radar of the authorities because of its subtle nature. It's not Marijuana, but it WAS laced with jwh-018 in the days of "k2", and branded as "incense", which has caused some confusion. People see it, or smell it, and they associate its looks and scent with "spice". Damiana is natural, and NOT-laced. "In Mexican culture, this species is used for gastrointestinal ailments. An extract of the herb has demonstrated antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria."[9] The studies conducted on Damiana are ground-breaking, because they confirms once again that God through nature, is literally supplying organic material that will destroy certain harmful bacteria, and providing us with medicines. I choose to utilize it in powerful homemade anti-bacterial infusions for cleaning, plus it has a nice smell to it. You can add lemon and lime to enhance the potential and scent of it, and just add it to a spray bottle when cleaning your kitchen or whatever. It cuts down on fortune 500 toxins that they love to spread through their various forms of pharmakeia warfare.
I can tell you from experience as well that it is a noticeable aphrodisiac and general stimulant. If you want to use it just for energy, and not as an aphrodisiac, then don't take it everyday. It only starts to work as an aphrodisiac over time if taken daily. It certainly works better than green M&M's if you use it daily. Damiana is good to combat fatique as well though, and to keep your energy up, and I know this from experience. It's very hard to find potent Damiana on the market though, so if you benefit from it, you should grow your own. I can't warn you enough though, too much ( it's not that easy to take too much so don't be too afraid of it ) can cause diarrea, and headaches. That's not sexy at all is it? When smoked, it only takes one or two puffs to get desired results if you're not used to it, but you won't get high. I advise against going over that. In my personal experience, I would suggest taking it internally rather than smoking it. If you do chose to consume it in tea or capsule form, start small. I notice it seems to stimulate the memory of dreams ( oneirogenic ). The sources I have pulled up on this plant also indicate this. The leaves, look like a single blade of a sharp Sativa landrace of Cannabis. I find that interesting. I want to clear the smoke though, because when people see this stuff, they say "that looks like spice". "Spice" is plant material laced with drugs. Damiana is plant material, not laced with drugs. There is a difference. It's an herbal remedy that the Native Americans used.[8]
There's an herb out there for everyone. This one may or may not be for you. What benefits one person, may throw another person off. I can tell you though, that this herb is meant for someone. The best thing you can do, is learn what it mixes with. Traditional cultures knew this too, and did just that. The best way to use it as an aphrodisiac, is to sprinkle a tiny bit of it in with a joint. Don't add too much. It taste just like it smells, sweet with a sour undertone, very loud on the nose, but nothing as pleasurable as the scent of Cannabis. After you've had it in your system once, the mere scent of it can have an aphrodisiac affect. I think the idea of using this in an herbal infuser, or making it into soap, could also be a good method of use. Substances can absorb through the skin as well. Remember that aroma's have an effect on libido as well, so be creative in how you choose to use it. It works for both men, and women. According to studies conducted on test rats, they seem to support the reputation of Damiana ( Turnera difussa ) being an effetive aphrodisiac.[6] To repeat: The aphrodisiac effects can be obtained by smoking, or long-term internal use. Short-term use induces more of a stimulating effect, and not so much aphrodisiac. It's critical to note that using it ONE TIME, or ONCE A WEEK internally, will NOT elicit any aphrodisiac properties, rather will offer general stimulation, like Coffee.
I noticed before even reading about it in some books that I purchased ( for the sake of writing this website and others ), that for me, Damiana seemed to stimulate dreams ( or help me remember them one ). These types of substances are known as "oneirogens". I purchased a book on the subject called "Drugs Of The Dreaming Mind". I cite it at the bottom, but must warn Christians it is a new age book that promotes pharmakeia ( I had to throw it away ). It and a lot of other books use phrases like "drugs of the new world". My advise with Damiana, is to not take it too often. Learn when and how to use it, and only use it when it is needed. It's not a recreational thing, by no means. Some plants are a God-send to some people, and to others, they don't help. You gotta find which one works for you. Make sure you consider precautions, and interactions, and note that SOME "authoritative" sources(not all), are bias, and make bold claims that are not true.
Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
Buy Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Academic Sources:
[1] Zhao, J., Pawar, R. S., Ali, Z., & Khan, I. A. (2007). Phytochemical investigation of Turnera diffusa. Journal of Natural Products, 70(2), 289-292.
[3] Szewczyk, K., & Zidorn, C. (2014). Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of the genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a focus on damiana—Turnera diffusa. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 152(3), 424-443. [Source]
[2] Newman, P. D. (2017). Alchemically Stoned-The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry. Lulu. com. Source url
[4] Reyes-Becerril, M., Ginera, P., Silva-Jara, J., Macias, A., Velazquez-Carriles, C., Alcaraz-Meléndez, L., & Angulo, C. (2020). Assessment of chemical, biological and immunological properties of “Damiana de California” Turnera diffusa Willd extracts in Longfin yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana) leukocytes. Fish & shellfish immunology, 100, 418-426.
[6] Kumar, Suresh, Reecha Madaan, and Anupam Sharma. "Evaluation of aphrodisiac activity of Turnera aphrodisiaca." Int J Pharmacogn Phytochem Res 1.1 (2009): 1-4.
[9] Hernandez-Adame, L., Ruvalcaba, F., Ruiz-Gomez, M. A., Sánchez, V., Reyes-Becerril, M., Silva-Jara, J., & Angulo, C. (2021). Biological synthesis of monodisperse AuNPs@ Damiana with enhanced antiseptic activity against gram-negative bacteria. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 31(10), 4018-4024.
[10] Alankooshi, Azhar A., et al. "Impact of damiana (Turnera diffusa) against amitriptyline induced heart injury, dysfunctions and DNA damage in male rats." Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences 37 (2023): 169-176.
[11] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonic
[13] Patel, Sohan A., et al. "THE MORPHOLOGY, CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND USES OF PASSION FLOWER: A REVIEW." Pharma Science Monitor 15.2 (2024).
[14] Hofmann, Albert. LSD and the divine scientist: the final thoughts and reflections of Albert Hofmann. Simon and Schuster, 2013.
Via: scholar.google.com
Book sources:
[7] Toro, G. and Thomas, B. (2007) Drugs of the dreaming: Oneirogens: Salvia divinorum and other dream enhancing plants. Rochester, VT: Park Street Press. [ Pages 74,75, 113 ]
[8] (Rain 1990 138) Earthway: A Native American Visionary's Path To Total Mind, Body, And Spirit Health. Book by Mary Summer Rain ISBN-13: 9780671706678
[11] Balick, Michael J., and Paul Alan Cox. Plants, People, and Culture: The Science Of Ethnobotany. Garland Science, 2020.
[12] Swerdlow, Joel L. Nature's Medicine : Plants That Heal. Washington, D.C., National Geographic Society, 2000.
Encyclopedia references / sources:
[5] Wikipedia contributors. (2024, March 19). Turnera diffusa. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:57, March 25, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turnera_diffusa&oldid=1214464383
Resources / Links:
PubChem ( The National Library Of Medicine )
Google Scholar scholar.google.com
Contact: ScottTheWarrior@Juno.com