Damiana – The Gentle Laxative – Monastic Recipes

Description

Damiana is a shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height, with small yellow flowers that are aromatic and resemble the scent of chamomile, and fruits that taste similar to figs. All parts of the plant are edible. The leaves are used to make tea, infusions, and the resulting distillate is dark in color, with an earthy aroma and a mild, almost neutral taste.

Soaking it in boiling water for 5-10 minutes is the ideal time for its aroma to emerge.

Damiana is a mild laxative, useful for treating constipation due to poor bowel function. In general, the herb tones the nervous and hormonal systems, with specific uses such as for irregularities (oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea) and symptoms of the menstrual cycle (headaches), as well as for dysmenorrhea and menopause.

How to prepare a drink with damiana.

Soak the dried damiana in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain, serve, and enjoy.

Tips:

• Always use fresh water, not water that has been sitting in the teapot or kettle for hours.
• Do not leave the tea bag in the cup while drinking the beverage, as it will significantly alter its taste.
• Optionally, add the sweetener of your choice.
• After preparing it, place it in the fridge to enjoy it cold, if desired.

The most common ways of use

INFUSION: Once the water begins to boil, remove it from the heat and add the herb. Let it steep for 10-20 minutes, strain it, and use it. The typical ratio for the infusion is 1-3 teaspoons per cup of water.

DECOCTION: Take the medicinal part of the plant and boil it with water. (Typically, the harder parts of the plant are boiled: roots, bark, stems, seeds). If they are finely chopped, they only need to be boiled for 5 minutes; otherwise, 5-15 minutes. Use three tablespoons in two cups of water and consume within 12 hours.

Net weight 30g