Damiana is a small shrub with the Latin name Turnera diffusa. Botanically, the plant belongs to the saffron mallow family. Its natural range extends from southern North America to Mexico and Argentina.
Although Damiana can reach a height of up to 2m in some locations, the shrub usually remains smaller than one meter. Its elongated, downy-haired leaves have a wavy edge and are arranged like fingers.
The shrub begins to bloom at the beginning of July, producing yellow flowers around 4cm in size, emerging from the upper leaf axils and resembling the flowers of some buttercups. The flowers develop into rough-skinned fruits 2-4mm in size.
The Maya already knew about the healing and stimulating effect of the damiana plant. The shrub was given its name by Spanish missionaries in the 17th century. They named the shrub Damiana in reference to St. Damian, the patron saint of all pharmacists.
