‍

Let's Get Intimate With Damiana

In today’s society, sex and shame are commonly interwoven for many of us. Shame never makes our sex lives any juicier and we often deprive ourselves of fully letting our sexuality and creative expression shine. Sex stirs our creativity and passion for life while shame brings a draught to the areas within us that are most fertile.

Within the plant world, we find many types of plants that help us drop our shame and internal barriers to bring us fully in the moment. While we use a myriad of plants that help you find more ease and pleasure, we’d like to take a closer look at Damiana, or Tunera Difussa.

What is Damiana?

Damiana Tunera Difussa, also known as Old Women’s Broom and Mexican Holly, is native to hot and humid climates such as Texas, Mexico and Central America. Tunera Diffusa comes from a small pale green shrub with five petalled yellow flowers. It has a distinctive, strong aroma said to be similar to chamomile. The energetics of T. Difussa are warming to the body while its aromatic qualities both stimulate our circulation and relax the body's nervous system. Damiana has long been used within the Indigenous people of its native land to stimulate blood flow to the pelvis and enhance sexual performance. Not only is it known for enhancing one's experience, but it also brings healing. Damiana has long been used as an aphrodisiac and is known to many as “ the lover’s herb .”

“The origin of the common name damiana is from the Greek daman or damia meaning "to tame or subdue." It is the feminine version of Damian and infers that damiana is the wild one "who tames." It is believed that the indigenous Guaycura in the Baja region of Mexico were the first to use damiana. According to legend, the herb became more widely distributed when the Guaycura began trading with the Aztecs. Damiana was also highly valued in ancient times by the Mayans, who used the plant in a similar manner to the Aztecs and the Guaycura.” Mountain Rose Herbs

How We Might Use Damiana

When we are fully able to lean into our sexual and creative experiences, we are able to bring more passion and vigor to other areas of our life. Sexual and creative energy both help fuel our inner fire. Damiana helps us release inner barriers that keep us from fully expressing ourselves.

“Desire, sexual sensations, healthy appetite, and mental clarity are important factors in caring for mental health. Damiana reminds us to put energy into showing love to ourselves and our lovers.” Brittnei Lacrette (Journal of the American Herbalist Guild).

At Citrine, we’ve added Damiana’s magic in our oil infusions and smoking blends. These blends and infusions are all meant to promote joy, sexual expression and sesuality. We hope you find relief and empowerment through our products containing Damiana, like Freyja, Völva and Tempt.

• Consult your physician before use, especially if taking hypoglycemic medications, you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding.

‍