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 feel a mix of anger, sadness, frustration, and exhaustion. Then I'm pissed off, with no way to deal with it.
There are protests amid a quarantine, with daily updates on infection and death rates. Anger and tension hover over everything. Yet I can't pause 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 that’s excellent for stress and anxiety. It contains several compounds that support the endocrine and nervous systems. It has thymol (also found in thyme), which is 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 on its own, and 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 treasure it for giving me energy and helping with mental fatigue.
I see a season of damiana in my future, and I may order a plant to watch those pretty yellow flowers bloom.
