Damiana (Turnera diffusa) - dried leaves

• Cut dried leaves, 50 g, 100 g or 500 g
• Naturally dried, without chemical treatment
• Khaki green colour, aromatic and slightly bitter aroma

Turnera diffusa is a small shrub of semi-desert regions, from southern Texas to Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. It grows on dry, rocky ground and produces small yellow flowers.

Its leaves are small, oval, toothed on the upper half, and bear glands that give them their characteristic smell. It is a very aromatic plant: the smell is the simplest way to judge the freshness of a batch. Damiana that smells of almost nothing is old damiana.

Damiana holds a notable place in Mexican popular culture. In particular, it is an ingredient in a traditional liqueur from Baja California, sold in a bottle shaped like the silhouette of a female figure inspired by pre-Columbian statuettes. This liqueur is still today the best-known use of the plant outside its native range.

How can I judge the quality of a batch?
By the smell. Damiana is rich in volatile compounds: a recent, well-stored batch is distinctly aromatic. A leaf that is odourless or dusty has lost most of what makes it what it is.

What is the difference between the dried leaves, the plant and the seeds?
Three distinct products. The dried leaves are botanical collector's material. The live plant is intended for growing. The seeds let you sow it yourself.

How should they be stored?
In an airtight container, away from light and moisture. The aroma fades quickly in open air.

Can they be consumed?
No. We sell them as botanical collector's material, not as a food product, and we provide no preparation method.

This plant is sold as plant material intended for collection, ethnobotanical study and ornamental use. It is not a food product and is not intended for consumption. We provide no dosage, no preparation method and no expected effect. Sale restricted to adults (18 and over).

Also worth exploring: our dried herbs of the world and our ritual plants.