Herbal Cigarettes DIY : Smoking Damiana 

Damiana is an amazing nicotine-free smokable herb either on its own as a tobacco alternative or as your favorite legal herb's complement in a herbal smoking blend. Benefit from a more controlled and enjoyable experience without adding any effect to the body or mind AND reduce the sometimes "skunky" smell of some expensive legal herbs if you're smoking inside (or have crazy neighbors)! 

Native to South America, Damiana leaves (Turnera diffusa) have been used in a wide variety of natural products like tinctures and essential oils, but are also found in numerous dietary supplements. With it's wide range of supposed health benefits, from improving sexual performance to aiding with stomach ailments and even anti hyperglycemic effects, Damiana unfortunately has very little evidence based science to back all these claims.

Keep reading to find out more about the wonders of this herb!  

 

What is Damiana? 

Damiana is a herb that typically grows in Mexico, Central America and the West Indies that blooms into beautiful yellow flowers.   

The leaf and stem of Damiana have been traditionally used to make medicines, as well as aphrodisiacs and treatments for other conditions. Damiana is also a great smokable herb that has been used as an ingredient for many smokable herbal blends. For those recreational smokers looking for a great tobacco alternative to roll in herbal cigarettes or a complement for their favorite legal herb.  

 

Benefits of Damiana

Damiana is recognized as having myriad of health benefits in many cultures. It has namely been used as a treatment for bladder and urinary issues. It is important to mention that although Damiana is an herb with many associated benefits, no peer-reviewed study has yet been able to confirm that smoking Damiana can provide health benefits benefits to the body or mind. 

Damiana is also believed to increase sexual arousal and stamina in men and women. Other benefits of Damiana when ingested (not smoked) include:

• Damiana may help with nervous disorders and stress
• It may enhance energy and help with fatigue.
• It may cure stomach ulcers since it possesses anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties.
• It may support weight loss by acting as a mild laxative.
• It may help to also suppress appetite thus slowing the gastric emptying.
• Damiana may help with bladder infections
• It may support digestion by assisting in the process of breakdown of sugars and fats in the digestive system. 
• It may help with constipation and indigestion.  

  

Another traditional use Damiana is known for is as a smokable herb, either on its own or as part of herbal smoking blends. This ingredient adds a lovely fragrance to the smoke along with a nice flavor, making this a great tobacco replacement alternative. 

Dosages of Damiana

The right dosage will depend on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and any other health condition they may have. At the moment, there isn’t enough scientific information to properly establish a dose, however, given the organic nature of this herb, so long as it is consumed within the boundaries established by a doctor, there should not be any ill effects. 

The many forms in which Damiana is sold include: capsules, liquid extracts, tea and can be found in supplements as well. For these types of consumptions, the only dosage recommended is the one established on the packaging. Damiana has also been marketed in herbal formulas, teas and supplements targeted to those looking to lose weight and enhance their libido. 

Damiana is a great herb and has been traditionally known to treat many conditions and ailments when ingested, which is why it has gained such popularity. Especially if you’re feeling stressed and constipated, you may want to give a Damiana product a try to see if it helps. 

You may find that smoking Damiana is not right for you due to its fragrant nature. You might also want to look into smoking Tea, smoking Hops or even learn more about Cloves.

 

Wanna learn more about Damiana? Browse our sources below! 

DAMIANA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. (n.d.). Www.webmd.com. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-703/damiana

Damiana: An Ancient Aphrodisiac. (2014, October 9). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/damiana-ancient-aphrodisiac

Damiana Facts and Health Benefits. (2017, September 12). https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/damiana/