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

Solid Perfume-Making

with Lakeja Baylor

* New Date *

Saturday, October 4th, 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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Fall Ayurveda Gathering & Ghee-making

with Kimber Hyatt

12-1:30pm, Saturday October 11th

Let’s have tea & discuss this most beautiful season of transition, the ups & downs that come with it.

Kimber will share Ayurveda’s perspective & some beautiful ways to stay grounded, nourished, healthy & feeling like your best self as the season brings about its changes.

Register Here

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Community Medicine Making Circles

withJen Halima  

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Next one: October 25th

 Roots & Broth Blends

Meet the autumn root harvest and the many ways it can be incorporated into healing and immune supporting remedies through infusions into tinctures, cough syrups, teas and food.   We will learn how to make a cough syrup and prepare an herbal broth bags for you to take home.

Register Here

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Plant Allies for Stress, Depression, and Fatigue

with Kat Maier

Saturday January 31st, 2026, 10am – 5pm

In Chinese medicine, the season of winter is a time of hibernation and restoration. This applies not just for the previous year but, in our culture, for the stress of holidays and all that is happening in our world now. This class will share ancient as well as new medicines for restoring our balance and providing deep resilience for the body, mind, and soul. The day will also acknowledge February 1, known as Candlemas, a Celtic celebration honoring the return of light. We will learn practical and easy-to-follow teas and recipes to strengthen our immunity for the times that lie ahead.
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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