How To Make Damiana Tincture (Herbal Recipe)

Known for its potential to reduce anxiety, improve digestion, and even be an aphrodisiac, Damiana is a great choice to tincture and add to your other herbal remedies. 

The damiana plant (Turnera diffusa) is a small shrub that has yellow flowers and aromatic leaves. It has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient times. Indigenous cultures of Central America and South America used it to help with a variety of applications, including its mood-boosting properties. The Mayans and Aztecs, in particular, used damiana as an aphrodisiac. Over time, its use spread to Europe and the United States, where it is used in herbal medicine for its ability to reduce anxiety and improve moods.

I like to use damiana in its tincture form because it preserves the medicinal properties for a long time and makes them easily accessible to our bodies.

Benefits of damiana

Menopause support – Damiana can help manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, and mood swings due to its hormone-balancing effects.

Sexual health – Historically, damiana was used by men to help enhance libido and help with sexual dysfunction.

Mood improvement – Damiana contains compounds that can impact the nervous system to relieve symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.

Digestive aid – Traditionally damiana was used to relieve constipation and improve digestive health.

Cleansing antioxidants – Damiana is a source of antioxidants that protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Urinary health – Damiana has been used historically to help with bladder issues including urinary tract infections.

Fresh or dried leaves

You can use either fresh or dried damiana leaves. If you’re harvesting fresh leaves of damiana, try to do so in the morning, before the hot, midday sun reaches the plant. This is to help ensure that the volatile oil in the leaves is at its maximum potency and isn’t zapped by the heat before you harvest it. Your tincture will be more potent if your leaves have a more concentrated amount of essential oils.

Damiana tincture recipe

Tools

An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I like these

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

A knife or mortar and pestle – for chopping up fresh damiana leaves

Supplies

Fresh or dried damiana leaves – organic damiana if you can find it. I used this but it’s not organic.

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) (organic alcohol if you can find it) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. I use this bulk raw apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh damiana, use a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

If you’re using fresh leaves, make sure they are free of dirt and debris. Use a knife or mortor and pestle to chop them up into small pieces.

Add the damiana leaf into a clean glass jar. If you’re using fresh leaves, fill the jar ⅔ of the way full. If you’re using dried leaves, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full to leave room for the leaves to absorb the alcohol.

Cover the leaves with alcohol. I use an unflavoured vodka and you can use what you have on hand if it’s over 80-proof. If you’re using fresh leaves, use a higher-proof alcohol, like Everclear.

Add a lid to the jar and shake it. 

Date and label it and set it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard. If you used dried leaves, top up the jar after a day, so that the leaves are completely under the alcohol.

Leave it to sit for a couple of weeks – I like to leave it for 6-8 weeks.

After 8 weeks, strain off the leaves using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Try your best to completely remove the plant material.

Add the tincture to an amber glass jar or a clean bottle.

Label and date it, and it’s ready to use.

How much damiana tincture to take?

You can take 1 dropper full per day 3-4 times per day. Start by taking a small amount and work your way up.

How long does damiana tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years but if you don’t think you’ll use too much, you can make this tincture in small batches.

Ways to consume damiana tincture

Directly – Add the dosage under the tongue for the quickest absorption. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow.

Diluted – Mix the dosage with a glass of water or juice to dilute the flavour.

In tea – Add the dosage to herbal teas (like damiana tea) for added nutrients.

In a spoonful of honey – Another good option is to add the dosage to a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up.

Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your healthcare provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like drug interactions, or an impact on an existing health condition. 

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