Damiana Leaf - Turnera Diffusa

Latin Name: Turnera diffusa
Common Name: Damiana
Origin: Mexico

Damiana is a small woody aromatic shrub native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and in some parts of the Southwest along the Rio Grande.

The use of damiana dates back to the Aztecs and Mayans who made aromatic tea from the leaves.  It's first recorded use was by Spanish missionaries in Mexico, who observed Mexican Native Americans using damiana to make a sweet tea with sugar. 

Historically damiana was used by multiple Mesoamerican cultures.  The Aztecs, Mayans, and Guaycura consumed damiana tea which they believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Throughout recent history it has continued to be used for tea, and also as a flavoring in food and liqueur.  Damiana was listed as an ingredient in Pemberton's French Wine Coca, a 19th century alcohol drink which was the precursor to the original formula for Coca Cola.

Damiana can be used to make teas, tinctures, and infusions. It is used as a food additive, food flavoring, and flavoring used alcoholic beverages.  According to Mexican folk lore, damiana was a key ingredient used to make the first Margarita.