Smoking Damiana: Taste, History, and What to Blend It With

Damiana is a small shrub native to Central America and the southwestern United States, and one of the easier herbs to recommend to someone new to herbal smoking.

Taste and smoke

Subtly sweet and earthy, with a hint of spice. The smoke is light and smooth, which is the part that matters for a beginner. Harsh herbs put people off the whole category, and damiana is the opposite of harsh.

A long history

Turnera diffusa has been used in Central American folk tradition since at least the era of the Maya, and it has held a place in regional herbal practice ever since. It is one of the better documented smoking herbs in the Americas.

What to blend it with

Damiana is a good mixer. Try it with lavender and chamomile for something softer, or with spearmint or lemon balm for something brighter and sharper. It holds its own without taking over, which is more than can be said for most herbs with a distinct flavor.

In our blends

Damiana appears in two of ours: Venus, with rose, lemon balm, mullein and tulsi, and Inner Work, with lavender, lobelia, mullein and skullcap. Both come as loose blends as well.

Inner Work contains lobelia. Not for use during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid combining with nicotine products. Tea Tokes blends are tobacco-free and nicotine-free. 21+.