Passionflower is a bitter, sedative, cooling herb that relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and lowers blood pressure.
The leaves and thin stems contain flavonoids (C-glycosides of vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin and ethylmaltrol), pyrone derivatives, as well as polyacetylene and cyanogenic glycoside.
Native to southeastern parts of the Americas, passionflower is now grown throughout Europe. It is a perennial climbing vine with herbaceous shoots and a sturdy woody stem that grows to a length of nearly 10 meters (about 32 feet). Each flower has 5 white petals and 5 sepals that vary in color from magenta to blue. According to some stories, passionflower got its name because its corona resembles the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion. The passionflower's ripe fruit is an egg-shaped berry that may be yellow or purple. Some kinds of passionfruit are edible.
The above ground parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of the passionflower are used for medicinal purposes.
Available forms include the following: Infusions, Teas, Liquid extracts, Tinctures.
The passion flower was discovered in 1569 by Spanish explorers in Peru, who saw the flowers as symbolic of the passion of Christ and, therefore, a sign of Christ's approval of their efforts. This is the origin of the scientific and common names. The floral parts are thought to represent the elements of the crucifixion (3 styles represent 3 nails, 5 stamens for the 5 wounds, the ovary resembles a hammer, the corona as the crown of thorns). In Europe, passion flower has been used in homeopathic medicine to treat pain, insomnia related to neurasthenia or hysteria, and nervous exhaustion. Other indications have included bronchial disorders (particularly asthma), compresses for burns, inflammation, inflamed hemorrhoids, climacteric complaints, pediatric attention disorders, and pediatric nervousness and excitability.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used traditionally in the Americas and later in Europe as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria. It is still used today to treat anxiety and insomnia. Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.
The effects of passionflower tend to be milder than valerian (Valeriana officinalis) or kava (Piper methysticum), two other herbs used to treat anxiety. Passionflower is often combined with valerian, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), or other calming herbs. Few scientific studies have tested passionflower as a treatment for anxiety or insomnia, however, and since passionflower is often combined with other calming herbs, it is difficult to tell what effects passionflower has on its own.
One study of 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder found that passionflower was as effective as the drug oxazepam (Serax) for treating symptoms. However, the study lacked a placebo group, so it is not considered to be definitive. In another study of 91 people with anxiety symptoms, researchers found that an herbal European product containing passionflower and other herbal sedatives significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo. A more recent study found that patients who were given passionflower before surgery had less anxiety, but recovered from anesthesia just as quickly, than those given placebo.
Passionflower herb is used in alternative medicine for anxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders and seizures. It is more commonly used in Europe than its native home, the United States, where it can be found growing profusely in fields and on fencerows. Passionflower has been approved by Germany’s Commission E for the treatment of “nervous unrest”. It is now exported to and grown in many European countries.
Passionflower is said to be useful for back pain due to action on the nerves. Passionflower's calming properties may also be helpful for ADD and ADHD. However, since it has not been extensively studied, it is not advisable to use on children without approval of their doctor. Passionflower is not considered as strong in action as Valerian or Kava, but might be a good option for those who can't stand the taste of the stronger herbs.
Passion Flower health benefits start with its natural analgesic properties. As a person ages, the body acquires more little aches and pains. While not severe enough to warrant a strong pain reliever, these nagging aches can definitely impact an individual's quality of life. For centuries, people have used the Passion Flower to make tea as a nutritional supplement to reduce or eliminate these little aches.
Anxiety sufferers have long considered one of the best natural treatments for their condition to be the Passion Flower. Health benefits for this situation are many. As a disorder of the mood, a person with anxiety tends to overexcited easily and remain in that state far longer than the average person. This state of constant excitement causes the body to prevent essential functions like digestion and sleep. The constant interruption of these functions has lasting harmful effects. Passion Flower acts as a low intensity emotional stabilizer, reducing the severity and length of these episodes.
As the flip side of anxiety, those suffering from depression also find Passion Flower benefits to their liking. Unlike anxiety, depression in and of itself does not injure the body. The damage it does is by causing people to feel that any action is futile - even those actions that are healthy. Regular use of a Passion Flower supplement can lead individuals suffering from depression to find it easier to remain motivated and find more joy in life.
While everyone has an occasional bout of insomnia, for those who suffer regularly, the lack of recuperative rest causes ongoing damage to the body. Often a symptom of low level anxiety, insomnia can destroy a person's life without apparent cause. Other conditions like RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) can also cause insomnia as a side effect. As a calming agent, Passion Flower reduces the severity of these symptoms, often eliminating the insomnia altogether.
Virtually nothing known to man will stop a grand mal seizure once it has begun, but many people with Epilepsy have observed that regular use of Passion Flower benefits them by reducing both the frequency and severity of seizures. For those suffering milder symptoms, the neurological regulating effect of the Passion Flower can virtually eliminate symptoms. As another condition that creates sudden, harmful spikes in brain activity, the regularity induced by Passion Flower can help an epileptic avoid having his or her condition take over.
One of the biggest Passion Flower health benefits is the fact that it is a natural product. While man made drugs combine a myriad of chemicals that react with each other and a person's body chemistry in unpredictible manner, a natural product is one that a person is either allergic to or not. Those taking nature based supplements have far fewer concerns to consider in terms of what to eat or what medications may be taken simultaneously.
Drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), muscle/joint pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking passion flower, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Documented adverse effects. Avoid use during or if you plan to become pregnant. Passion flower is a known uterine stimulant. Also avoid use during breast-feeding.
Excellent product... April 25, 2010, By Pamela Boggs From South Carolina
Slows down my hyperactive brain during the day, and when taken at bedtime along with valerian root, I can sleep without "working" all night. No nasty side effects.
Very good! June 26, 2010, From Great Britain
I recommend it. It is a very good product for relaxing and sleeping.
great stuff August 17, 2010, From Georgia
really relaxes my muscles/ nerves.
my daughter May 04, 2010, From Illinois
I got them for my daughter, and she loves them,when stress starts she takes them and it does the trick
... passion flower extract... February 03, 2011, From Alabama
this product is great for helping me fall asleep at night !!
better than chamomeil June 16, 2011, By Tara Sparks From California
I take two of these before bed and sleep like a baby. Very effective.
Sleep better! September 16, 2011
This extract works well, I feel a little drowsiness from it, so the best idea is to use it by night, to sleep better - which I do!
is it working? February 03, 2011, From Georgia
do not notice any difference in taking this supplement, will give it more time and see.
Good Product May 17, 2011, From Ireland
Very good for anxiety, can relax more. Thanks
Passion for the Flower August 21, 2010, From Arizona
Has given an amazing calming affect!
Excellent for sleep; nerve pain March 22, 2010, From California
I take passion flower every night to help me sleep and to help with nerve pain from a c-spine injury and muscle pain from fibromyalgia. I also suffer from anxiety which can also keep me awake. Passion Flower is a great herb for all of this, but it will put you to sleep. It is not addictive either. Don't know what I'd do without it.
Passion Flower May 24, 2010, From Florida
Effective in helping to fall asleep. When stressed, on capsule calms me down, but doesn't "knock me out".