Damiana Herbs

The Damiana herb is actually a shrub that is found mainly in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It is a small bush that can be recognized by its small but very aromatic yellow flowers that are bloom during the early to late summer months. This plant is known for its aphrodisiac effect and is often used in herbal supplements.

If you are interested in growing your own Damiana plant there are a few things you should know. Since this shrub is mostly found in the tropical locations of Central and South America, the plant will grow best in the southern regions of the US and in many tropical locations.

If you intend to grow this shrub in the northern regions, you should make sure there will be plenty of sun and warmth, possibly in a green house. While the Damiana’s roots will survive a hard freeze, the leaves and branches above ground are not frost hardy.

Since these shrubs can get to be rather tall (3 to 6 feet), it might be a good idea to keep them outdoors unless you have a green house or intent to keep it trimmed back. A good way to get them started is in a pot, they can easily be transferred to a permanent area later.

This plant needs an area that will get at least 8 hours of sun each day. To begin growing your Damiana plant:

1)     Sow the seeds in regular potting soil. Make sure the soil is damp and put the pot in a sunny spot so the seed can germinate. If you have sown them during the early spring or late winter months don’t put them outside just yet, wait until you know there is going to be no more frost.

2)     Once the plant has germinated and has grown some it is ready to be transplanted outside. Again, wait until you are sure that there is going to be no more frost before you put the plant outside. Pick a nice sunny spot in your yard. Southern exposure would probably be your best bet.

3)     Make sure that the soil you’ve planted your Damiana in is moist and has good drainage. Where it will grow just fine in rich or sandy soil it needs to be moist but not flooded.

4)     Keep it trimmed up. You want to make sure to prune any shoots that look ratty to make your plant look nice. Don’t toss the leaves though; you can dry them to make tea.

Harvesting off of a Damiana is simple since the part used is the leaves. The Damiana plant is usually harvested during the warm summer months about the time it starts to bloom. The leaves are then left to dry before they are used in various applications.