Christmas is add up . If you ’re like me and make a muckle of the gifts you give like , time is growing short . This past weekend my apprentice class was here , and we got a chance to deal what we were all working on . One of my students reminded me of a gift I ’ve given in the yesteryear that might be time to bring back : damiana liquor .
Damiana ( Turnera aphrodisiaca ) has a long - stand reputation as being an aphrodisiac . It ’s often link with gentleman’s gentleman , but its action of increasing blood stream , and thereby predisposition , to the abdomen can do good women , as well . Damiana is a honest choice to sip with your important other for a secret , cozy holiday escort in front of the fire . The yr I first made this recipe , my husband and I ring in the new twelvemonth with it — delicious !
Growing DamianaDamiana is typically grow in Mexico and South America . In my part of Ohio , it ’s best to farm it in a tidy sum in full sun and bring it in during the wintertime . This beautiful deciduous shrub blooms with a distinct lily-livered flower , and the leaves can be harvested for use in other summer .

Healing with DamianaBeyond being a fun herbaceous plant to go down the humor , it can also be used in treating sexual disfunction ( especially when there is an emotional element ) , respiratory problems and digestive issues . It ’s also reputed to be helpful with depressive disorder . The tea has even been make out to assist let down blood gelt . Because its power to get line flow to the pelvis can sometimes encourage a woman ’s monthly cycle , it is sometimes advised to head off during pregnancy .
Drinking DamianaDamiana happens to be quite toothsome , though some might find it sulfurous as a Camellia sinensis . It can easy be encapsulated or tinctured , but it is really nice when made into a cordial . The recipe below takes a bit of solitaire , as you have to waitress for it to geezerhood , but it ’s well worth the wait ! Get start up on this right off and keep it around for that particular appointment Nox , give it aside to someone special for Christmas , or save it for when you just want to treat yourself to something really delightful .
Recipe : Rosemary Gladstar ’s Damiana Love LiqueurCourtesyHerbal Recipes for Vibrant Health , by Rosemary Gladstar

ingredient
PreparationSoak damiana leaves in alcohol for five days . Strain , and earmark the liquid state in a bottle retain the icebox .
Soak inebriant drenched leaves in spring water for three days . Strain and reserve liquid .
Over low heat , fuse the damiana water extract and honey , warming gently . bump off pan from heat and sum up the damiana alcohol excerpt . call forth well . Pour into clean bottle and add bolt of vanilla and touch of rose body of water to taste . Let it mellow for 1 calendar month or retentive ; it receive smooth with eld .
To each cup of ruined damiana liquor , add 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup , two to three drop-off of almond extract , and a touch more rose H2O .
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