77. Turneraceae.
Botanical name:
360. TURNERA.—DAMIANA, N.F. The leaves of a Mexican plant, Turnera aphrodisiaca (T. diffu'sa Willdenow). About 8 to 16 mm. (1/3 to 2/3 in.) long, obovate or lanceolate, with a few-toothed margin; surface smooth or with a few hairs on the under side along the ribs. They generally have mixed with them pieces of the slender, woody stem, which is reddish-brown and hairy, the branches being terminated by hairs; odor somewhat aromatic, due to the presence of about 0.5 per cent. of volatile oil. Damiana leaves form the basis of a number of the quack aphrodisiacs. It is not known as a drug in Mexico, but as a general tea-like beverage. Dose: about 1 dr. (4 Gm.), in infusion.
