“Passion Flower” Health Benefits
Anxiety, Stress And Insomnia
Genus: Passiflora Incarnata
Also known as:  Maypop, apricot vine, water lemon
Parts used:  Leaves

  
Passion Flower
(Passiflora Incarnata)
Passion flower is a potentially mild tranquilizer and sedative. It is very well known for treating anxiety, stress, insomnia and possibly good for the prevention of heart attack.  Passion flower contains tranquilizing substances (maltol, ethyl-maltol and flavonoids) as well as stimulating substances (harmala chemicals). Making this herb an excellent nervine.
Valerian Passion Flower by Eclectic Products
 Valerian
Passion
Flower
Researchers have concluded that passion flower has “complex activity” on the central nervous system with an overall mild tranquilizing / sedative effect despite the presence of stimulants. It is non-narcotic and there is no possibility of addiction. Another indication of the health benefits of herbs.

Passion flower can also be used as a digestive aid and in women’s health.  Its antispasmodic properties not only relaxes the smooth muscles lining the digestive track but other smooth muscles such as the uterus; helpful with controlling menstrual discomfort.
 
One study shows passion flower helps relieve pain and two others show it kills disease causing molds, bacteria and fungi, thus supporting its Indian use in wound treatment.

Animal studies have shown the harmala chemicals in passion flower dilate the coronary arteries.  Blocked coronary arteries result in heart attack; therefore, it could possibly help in prevention.

As with all herbs, passion flower should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Passion flower; also known as the “divine vine”, has a perennial root with annual tendrils and is fast growing so it will need something to climb; such as a fence or trellis. It can reach the height of as much as 30 feet.

The leaves on passion flower are a dull green and deeply divided into three to five lobes with serrated edges about four to six inches long.  Its white flowers are three inches across tinged in purple with a sweet fragrance.

 SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing nervine actions include black cohosh, blue cohosh, chamomile, dong quai, ginkgo, ginseng, and skullcap.


A :49 video about how to use passion flower and the uses of it.