A Season for Damiana

I have a feeling I can't describe today. We saw the video. A man was mercilessly murdered by someone paid to protect us. George Floyd. A name we will never forget. I have a combination of anger, sadness, frustration, and exhaustion. Then I'm pissed off without a way to deal with it.

There are protests in the middle of a quarantine with daily updates on infection and death rates. Anger and tension are hovering over everything. Yet, I can't stop to process my thoughts and emotions because, like so many mothers, I have a million things to do. I have to manage virtual learning while running two businesses. There aren't enough words or time for everything. I need an herb for this season to help balance what's happening within and around me without consuming me.

I've learned to trust where my spirit leads me, and damiana keeps coming to my mind.

Native to Texas, Central and South America, and Mexico, damiana is a potent nerve tonic excellent for stress and anxiety. It contains several chemical compounds that support the endocrine and nervous systems. It has thymol (also found in thyme), known to stimulate the mind and help relieve depression, fatigue, and nervous exhaustion. You feel the effects fairly quickly, and it's safe to use daily.

Even I'll admit that most herbs are far from delicious, but I love the taste of these light, fluffy leaves. Damiana's mild, slightly earthy flavor is wonderful, even without other herbs or sweeteners. Yet it’s irresistible with lemon balm, lemongrass, and sassafras.

Most people who have heard of it know it as an aphrodisiac or as an herb that can create feelings of euphoria depending on how and how much is taken. I use smaller amounts, and I treasure it for giving me energy and helping with mental fatigue.

I see a season with damiana in my future, and I may order a plant to watch those pretty yellow flowers bloom.

Kim Violet is a mom, wife, herbalist, and the founder of Eden's Leaves, an herbal products company with medicinal blends for immunity and emotional wellness. She studies, writes, and teaches about herbal medicine. She is also the founder of Simply Brilliant, a consulting practice for organizations creating the world we want to leave for our great-grandchildren.