American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

DAMIANA. Turnera aphrodisiaca.
Synonym—Turnera diffusa.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Damiana Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Damiana. Dose, from
one-half to one dram.
Specific Damiana. Dose, from two to ten minims.
CONSTITUENTS—
Essential oil, chlorophyl, two resins, albuminoids, tannin.
Therapy—A mild nerve tonic claimed to be valuable in the treatment of
sexual impotence. Some of our physicians praise it highly for its
influence in sexual neurasthenia, and it is said to correct frigidity in the
female.
It had long enjoyed a local reputation as a stimulant tonic of the sexual
apparatus among the natives of Mexico, before it attracted the attention
of the profession. Besides its peculiar action on the sexual appetite and
function, it is a general tonic, somewhat cathartic, and is slightly
cholagogue.
The midwives and women of loose morals of Western Mexico also
attribute emmenagogue properties to it.
Dr. Reid uses Damiana in all conditions where a general tonic is needed,
especially if there be enfeeblement of the central nervous system. He
esteems it most highly, prescribing it constantly for this purpose.
It is valuable in renal and cystic catarrh and in general irritation of the
urinary passages, through its influence in soothing irritation of mucous
membranes.
This latter property renders it valuable in the treatment of respiratory
disorders, especially those accompanied with profuse secretion.
In the line of the action of this remedy in its influence upon the
reproductive organs, Dr. Reid mentions dysmenorrhea, headache, at the
menstrual epoch, bad complexion, rough or discolored patches on the
skin with acne, especially of a severe type, depending upon uterine
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 440