The Baja Love Potion

By Tamara Whiteside

On a recent trip to the Baja, I found an herbal tea labeled with a red heart shape and the name "Damiana." Unable to read Spanish and being an avid herbal tea drinker, I presumed this tea must have medicinal qualities for a healthy heart.

I inquired about its effects and was told by locals that Damiana is not only good for your health, but is known as a "love potion." Despite its long history of use in traditional herbal medicine throughout the world—as an antidepressant, diuretic, cough-suppressant and anxiety and headaches remedy—it is first and foremost considered an aphrodisiac.

Damiana was said to be used as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Mayan civilization. A Spanish missionary first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from the damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking. In the early 1900's damiana leaf and its elixirs were listed in the National Formulary in the United States and associated with improving sexual function in both males and females.

The medicinal part of the plant is its aromatic leaves, which are harvested during the flowering season. Small yellow flowers bloom on the shrub in early to late summer. These are followed by small fruits with a sweet smell and fig-like flavor. Damiana is found throughout Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, as well as in parts of South America.

After returning to the States, I was surprised to find that what I thought may have been the Mayan's secret tea sachet of love, is now available at health food stores. With hints of mint and chamomile, try it hot with honey. It is also said to make excellent iced tea.

Tamara Whiteside is a writer who has traveled the world in search of epicurean delights and spectacular scenery. A former flight attendant and cook on private yachts, her work has fueled her passion for travel.

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