Starwest Herbal Fluid Extracts are made to exacting standards, such as those of the German Pharmacopoeia, with a Certified Organic grain alcohol base.

Starwest Herbal Extracts are convenient to use, an excellent alternative to herb tea or capsules. Made by a cold process method that extracts the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals, and active constituents of the herb.

Our extracts have a herb strength of 1 to 1 and a 30% alcohol content; the fresh extracts are a 1 to 2 ratio with a 50% alcohol content.

Our extensive line of herbal extracts are mostly Certified Kosher, including some Fresh, Responsibly
Wildcrafted (WC) and many Certified Organic - all grown in compliance with the National Organic Program.

Damiana was used ritually, shamanically and medically by the Mayas and Aztecs.

Damiana is held in high repute by Mexican herbalists, particulary as an aphrodisiac, prescribed as a thick decoction before bedtime.

Damiana is smoked by some instead of tobacco.

The leaves contain the antimicrobial hydroquinone arbutin, various volatile oils which also have an antimicrobial action, and flavonoids.

Damiana extracts have been shown, in the test tube, to bind to progesterone receptors, which may explain its reputation as a nerve tonic, mood elevator and aphrodisiac for both men and women.

Damiana makes a fragrant, sparkling tea with a delicious aroma and an agreeable bitter taste. Its aromatic leaves are sometimes used to flavor liqueurs.

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'This drug has been almost eulogized for its positive aphrodisiac effects, acting energetically upon the genito-urinary organs of both sexes, removing impotence in the one, and frigidity in the other, whether due to abuses or age. Many physicians who have tried it, deny its possession of such virtues, but the friends of the drug attribute their failures to the use of the spurious articles. It will very likely be found to possess laxative, tonic, and diuretic properties only; and the aphrodisiac effects following its use, no more prove that these belong to it, than the same effects, that not unfrequently appear after the employment of many other agents prove that such agents possess similar excitant virtues.'

'Upon the system at large, it exerts a tonic influence, and is useful in some cases of chronic cystic and renal catarrh. It relieves irritation of the urinary mucous membranes, improves digestion, and overcomes constipation in some instances. In respiratory disorders, it may be employed to relieve irritation and cough, and, by its tonic properties, to cheek hypersecretion from the broncho-pulmonic membranes.'

'The dose of the fluid extract is from ½ fluid drachm to ½ fluid ounce; specific damiana, 5 to 60 drops.'

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'A mild nerve tonic claimed to be valuable in the treatment of sexual impotence. Some of our physicians praise it highly for its influence in sexual neurasthenia, and it is said to correct frigidity in the female.'

'It had long enjoyed a local reputation as a stimulant tonic of the sexual apparatus among the natives of Mexico, before it attracted the attention of the profession. Besides its peculiar action on the sexual appetite and function, it is a general tonic, somewhat cathartic, and is slightly cholagogue.'

'The midwives and women of loose morals of Western Mexico also attribute emmenagogue properties to it.'

'Dr. Reid uses Damiana in all conditions where a general tonic is needed, especially if there be enfeeblement of the central nervous system. He esteems it most highly, prescribing it constantly for this purpose.'

'It is valuable in renal and cystic catarrh and in general irritation of the urinary passages, through its influence in soothing irritation of mucous membranes.'

'This latter property renders it valuable in the treatment of respiratory disorders, especially those accompanied with profuse secretion.'

'In the line of the action of this remedy in its influence upon the reproductive organs, Dr. Reid mentions dysmenorrhea, headache, at the menstrual epoch, bad complexion, rough or discolored patches on the skin with acne, especially of a severe type, depending upon uterine irritation. Eruption resembling eczema, from insufficient menstruation.'

'Dr. Watkins gives as its further indications, delayed or suppressed menstruation in young girls, irregularity at the beginning of menstruation, amenorrhea in very young girls. It will certainly allay sensitiveness of the sympathetic nervous system to irritations caused by disorders of the womb and ovaries. The remedy must be given in full doses, to accomplish these results. From five to ten grains of the extract is necessary three or four times a day, and persisted in. The writer has been using it as suggested, and has been very well satisfied with it.'

'In one most severe case of acne, with discoloration of the skin, due to uterine irritation, the results were satisfactory, both to the patient and physician. I am satisfied that it relieves hyperesthesia of the sympathetic nervous system and prevents many of the results of reflex irritation from uterine or ovarian disorder.'