The Benefits of Herbal Pairings: Formulating with Damiana
Originally posted on Plant Wonder Collective’s Study Circle Patreon in February 2025
Simples, or herbal remedies using only one plant, can be extremely effective at supporting many health concerns, including nausea and trouble falling asleep. But an important lesson I’ve learned growing up around Caribbean herbalism practices is that our bodies sometimes need remedies that are a bit more complex. It’s common for Haitian remedies to have 2-10 herbs and sometimes more!
To work my way up to being able to formulate using so many herbs, I started studying herbal pairings. Through those studies, I’ve found that pairing the right herbs in a formula can be more effective than a formula with 10+. Case in point, damiana.
Damiana
Dried damiana in my hand
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a plant that flourishes in subtropical North America, including the Caribbean, Central & South America, Mexico and nearby USA states. It’s well known as an aphrodisiac because of its antidepressant and relaxing nervine properties. With the right pairings, damiana’s aphrodisiac effect can be strengthened, but it can also be formulated to be a strong remedy for a host of other concerns:
Herbal pairing: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) + tulsi (Ocimum tenuflorum))
Tulsi’s adaptogenic ability brings the nervous system back to balance. This pairing is particularly uplifting and can have strong anti anxiety effects. Consider this blend when there is a need to balance your mood. To use, 1:1 mixture makes a delicious tea or syrup. A tincture will have similar effects. Be sure to consume daily for at least 3-4 weeks for the desired effect.
Dried damiana and dried tulsi
Herbal pairing: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) + milky oats (Avena sativa) tops
Damiana paired with milky oats can be the perfect aphrodisiac support. Milky oat, via its mineral-rich properties, nourishes the nervous system which lends itself to relaxation. This blend can also help with recuperation from surgery or illness. Use 2 parts damiana and 1 part milky oat in a tea or long infusion. A tincture may also support this effect, despite alcohol not being able to extract minerals.
Dried damiana and dried milky oat tops
Herbal pairing: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) + nettle (Urtica dioica)
This mineral and vitamin content of this pairing makes it ideal for burnout. The nutrients are best extracted in a long infused tea or long infusion and can soothe the nervous system. The best way to prepare this blend is 2 parts damiana and 1 part nettle in a tea or long/overnight infusion to extract the beneficial minerals and vitamins.
Dried damiana and dried nettle
Herbal pairing: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) + echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, is a classic hot, damp condition. Damiana’s cooling, anti-inflammatory astringency and its nervine effect on the nervous system combined with echinacea’s abilities to support the immune system and the skin can create a powerful remedy that can help prevent upcoming breakouts or treat active flareups. I recommend using this blend in equal parts internally and externally for the most effective approach. Use as a compress, wash, soak, or cream for external preparations 3-4 times a day. Internally, consume as a decoction or tincture diluted in water every 4-6 hours.
Dried damiana and dried echinacea
