Damiana Leaf (Turnera Diffusa)

Description

About damiana

Damiana is a small, aromatic shrub native to southern Texas, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It has serrated leaves and small yellow flowers, and the dried leaf has a warm, slightly fig-like fragrance.

How it is used

Damiana leaf is brewed as a herbal tea and is the traditional flavouring of a well-known Mexican liqueur. It is also used in aromatic herbal blends.

Common questions

What does damiana smell like?

Dried damiana leaf has a warm, sweet aroma often compared to figs or chamomile, with a slightly bitter taste.

How is damiana used?

The leaf is brewed as a herbal tea and is the traditional flavouring of a well-known liqueur from Baja California, Mexico.

Shredded or powder?

Shredded leaf is easier to strain for tea. Powder suits blending into mixtures.

Craft projects with damiana

Damiana has a warm, slightly spicy scent that carries well in dried crafts.

• Drawer sachets: about 3 tablespoons of the shredded leaf per small cloth bag.
• Soap: about 1 teaspoon per pound of oils or soap base. The powder is the easier form here because it needs no grinding.
• Infused oil for soap and balm bases: 1 part shredded leaf to 5 parts oil.

Choose shredded leaf for sachets and infusions, and powder for soap. The project planner gives exact amounts.

Storage

Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Please note

This is a dried botanical product. We make no health claims about it, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, speak to a qualified professional before using any herb.