How Damiana, An Ancient Aphrodisiac, Brings Extra Warmth to Your Evening Ritual
The best cocktails aren't just about flavor. They're about feeling: the warmth that spreads through your chest, the softening of the shoulders, the sensory cue that tells your body the day is done. At Little Saints, we built our line of NA spirits and cocktails to honor that ritual—and Damiana is one way we do it.
What Is Damiana?
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild flowering shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the American Southwest. It's been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, but its reputation precedes it for one reason in particular: It's an ancient aphrodisiac.The plant has a long history in traditional Mexican medicine, where it was brewed into teas and tonics believed to awaken the senses, ease anxiety, and enhance intimacy. It's the kind of ingredient that sounds like it belongs in an apothecary's back room, which is exactly why it works so well in a cocktail. There is even a legend that it was one of the original ingredients in margaritas.
Why Does Little Saints Use It?
When Megan Klein founded Little Saints in 2021, the goal was to create a new kind of cocktail that could deliver on the evening rituals we love, powered not by alcohol but by nature's neuroscience. That's where Damiana comes in. Of all the functional ingredients in the Little Saints lineup, Damiana delivers the strongest body feel. Paired with Reishi—which activates parasympathetic relaxation and calms the nervous system—Damiana adds warmth and physical sensation to the drinking experience. It's what transforms a pour into a ritual: That golden-hour feeling of settling into the evening, edges softened, senses awakened.
Is It Really An Aphrodisiac?
Let's address it directly: yes, Damiana has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. And yes, that reputation is earned. The plant has been used for centuries to enhance sensory experience and promote relaxation; both are integral to intimacy. It helps quiet the anxious mental chatter that often gets in the way. When your nervous system settles and your senses sharpen, connection comes easier. While Little Saints doesn't market itself as a libido booster, it's worth knowing what you're drinking and why it might make date night feel a little more magic hour.
