Damiana at Rancho El Gaspareño

The herb of amazing abilities.

There is recorded history throughout the world regarding the effects of the herb Domiana for sex pleasure enhancement and its impotency reversing attributes. Damiana is known also as the aphrodisiac of the Guaycuras. There are several brands of Damiana liquor on the market. In Baja, it is used in place of triple sec in making the Baja Margarita. Concentrate of damiana is a new form. It can be purchased in La Paz at larger stores and be found in the medical and liquor department sections.

Damiana grows abundant and wild in the area and represents a pleasant part of the local history.  The aphrodisiac, sex enhancer of ancient local civilizations, damiana grows wild on the ranch and in the surrounding areas. It is very interesting that local people in the area drink it in a tea form on a regular basis. They prepare it like a sun tea and drink it at room temperature, it is offered to guest as part of their culture. It was said that Montezuma had his emissaries come to the Ranch area and traded with the Guaycura's for this important and valuable herb.

 Damiana is a small shrub with aromatic leaves found throughout Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. The leaves, are lanceolate, 10-25 mm long with three to six teeth along the margins. The botanical name of the plant describes its use as an aphrodisiac, Turnera aphrodisiaca. In the ancient Maya civilization Damiana was used for "giddiness and loss of balance". and as an aphrodisiac. From 1888 to 1947, Damiana leaf and elixir was listed in the National Formulary (NF). For more than 100 years, Damiana's use has been associated with improving sexual function in both males and females. Damiana acts as an antidepressant, tonic, diuretic, to treat coughs and as a mild laxative. Dr. Balch reports that Damiana "relieves headaches, controls bed-wetting, and stimulates muscular contractions of the intestinal tract" and makes the comment that "damiana interferes with iron absorption when taken internally." The leaves are used in Germany to "relieve excess mental activity and nervous debility." and a tonic action on the hormonal and central nervous systems. E.F. Steinmetz states that in Holland, Damiana is renown for its sexual enhancing qualities and positive effect on the reproductive organs. David Hoffman states "The pharmacology of the plant suggests that the alkaloids could have a testosterone-like actions.

The chemical composition of damiana is complex and components have not been completely identified. However, the known make-up is 0.5-1% volatile oil, gonzalitosin (cyanogic glycoside), arbutin, tannin and damianin (a brown bitter substance). The leaf also contains beta-sitosterol, which may account for the stimulant effect on the sexual organs.

Damiana’s Country Market, a must “stop and see”, located on the Pacific corridor between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos We are proud of our wide array of gifts, craft items, fresh, organic produce, good food and artisan’s gallery. Most everything you’ll find is made locally.

You’ll enjoy browsing through our unique shops, having a bite to eat at the palapa restaurant, learning about local history, trying on our unique Queen Calafia clothing and of course, purchasing some Damiana products, “the elixir of herbs”,  to take home. We also provide a fresh coffee and juice bar and an ice cream parlour featuring our famous “Damiana Delight”.

Want your picture taken with the pirates? Our native lore shop offers backdrops with Spanish galleons and pirates! Crazy for mexican candy? Locally made furniture? Unique artwork and sculptures? Come and browse! Come and relax! Enjoy the ambiance!

  Location and Purpose:

The market will be located on the east side of the highway directly across from the entrance to the proposed Cabo Pacifico development at Rancho El Gaspareno. It will consist of a large palapa roof with portable kontiki style huts or booths, surrounding a landscaped garden area. Used as a way to draw people in, the market will have an on site office with information about the development across the highway. This will lead to a tour, through the gates and to the model located in a presentation office on the beach side.. The market will also generate cash flow and become a major tourist attraction.

The Pacific Corridor is becoming more popular, with a number of small attractions popping up along the roadside. There is a new organic market just outside of Pescadero, the Art & Beer site is expanding, and there are local blanket and pottery stands between Pescadero and Todos Santos.

The opening of the remodeled California Hotel, and the ever famous Sante Fe restaurant, guarantees a steady stream of traffic. The “middle reststop” location of Damiana’s, with it’s variety of interests and clean washroom facilities, ensures a strong source of leads for our main purpose, the Cabo Pacifico development.
 

  Damiana Specialty Shop – herbal products, aromatherapy oils, soaps, candies, tea, liquers, syrup, passion chocolate bars.

Queen Calafia Clothing – casual clothing locally made, proudly bearing the Calafia label.

Damiana's Café – under the shade of the palapa roof, enjoy a bite, a coffee, a cold beer.

Native Lore Shop – learn about local history, tales of pirates and treasure and Amazon women.

Have your picture taken against vivid backdrops.

Furniture – lovingly crafted, made with local woods from the mountains of the Baja.

Artisans Studio & Gallery – watch the local artisans at work and admire their artwork.