Tonic Herb of the Month
damiana

Damiana

(Turnera diffusa)

An aromatic herb (in the mint family) native to Central America.  The Aztecs used the leaves as a sexual tonic and stimulant and regarded it as the second most important herb for bestowing vitality, after chocolate. Traditionally the fragrant leaves were brewed as a tea and sweetened with honey to stimulate lovemaking.


Tastes/Energetics: aromatic, warming, slightly stimulating, but also relaxing

Parts Used: leaves & flowers

Actions:  aromatic, nerve tonic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, carminative, reproductive tonic, diuretic

Uses:  Traditionally used for stimulating sexual appetite, treating erectile dysfunction & enhancing orgasm in both sexes. Strengthens the central nervous system & eases the emotional stress, damiana may helpful for mild depressive or anxious states. Also helpful in treating irrational fears. Alkaloids could have a testosterone-like action. As a carminative, it eases colic, dyspesia, & upset stomach.

Indications: impotence, low libido, poor digestion, cough, melancholy and sadness, weak nerves in the reproductive organs, sexual debility due to nervous exhaustion, incontinence, chronic prostatic discharge

Preparations: as a tea, use 1 tsp damiana with ½ tsp spearmint and ½ tsp rose petals for an invigorating yet calming nerve tonic. Often used in smoking mixtures. It also makes an incredible liqueur!!!

Cautions: Damiana may interfere with the absorption of iron. Avoid large doses during pregnancy.

Dose: Tea: use 1 tsp. per cup of water and drink 3 cups a day. Tincture: 10-30 drops 1-4 x a day.
*These statements have not been approved by the FDA. The information contained here is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Buds & Blossoms Clinical Herbalism

Now Enrolling!

This 9-month, intermediate-level program is for herbal students and enthusiasts who have a basic level of training and are ready to dive deep into the therapeutic application of herbs. We dive deep into anatomy & physiology and Materia medica. We cover phytochemistry, tissue states, herb-drug interactions and much more. Check out the link below to see if this is a good fit for you:
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Intro to Plant Communication ~ Aug 8th
&
Flower Essences 101 ~ Aug 9th

with Teacher, Author, & creator of Brigid’s Way ~ Jen Frey


Intro to Plant Communication 
(Aug 8th, 6:30-8:30pm)

Come to learn how to connect with plant consciousness and form a deeper bond with these incredibly allies. 

Flower Essences 101 
(August 9th, 9 am- Noon)

Learn how to utilize Flower Essences for personal transformation. We will make an essence together that you can take home.

Register Here

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Community Medicine Making Circles

with Jen Halima  

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Next one: August 23rd

The Elders & Herbal Syrup

As the flowers begin to berry, we’ll touch on so much wisdom in simple and yummy ways to strengthen and protect our immune systems as the summer begin to wane and the flowers are turning to fruit. You’ll take home a bottle of elderberry & rosehip syrup made with local honey for immune support and try out some other herbal syrup recipes in class.

Register Here

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Solid Perfume-Making

with Lakeja Baylor

Saturday, September 6th, 4-5 pm

In this workshop you will be learning how to make your our own solid perfumes. Combining beeswax, botanically infused oils, and essential oils you will make & take home 2 differently scented solid perfumes.

Register Here

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Cacao Ceremony

with Angela Bates

September 14th
10:30 am – 1:30 pm 

Step into a sacred place of magic and connection for a special cacao ceremony featuring Keith’s Cacao. You will experience a heart-opening journey guided by ritual, intention, and he healing spirit of cacao. The ceremony will include gentle clearing practices, storytelling about the cacao being served, a sound meditation, and, of course, drinking the world’s finest ceremonial-grade cacao, all while allowing the energy of this beautiful medicine to awaken you to move love, more fun, and support you in getting out of your own way. Come as you are, leave transformed.

Register Here

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Sunday Morning Tea Ceremonies

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Come for quiet reflection as you sip on several cups of tea following Japanese tradition. Ceremony begins at 9:30 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required.

Suggested Donation: $25

Register Here