Passionflower herb is a gentle sedative, pain reliever and tranquilizer. Its balancing healing powers come from the plant's alkaloids and flavonoids, special compounds that interact favorably with the body's own systems to restore mental and physical health and balance. Try passionflower to help resolve conditions related to stress or nervous tension. Talk to your doctor before taking passionflower or any other herbal remedy.
Origin
Passionflower, passiflora incarnata, is native to the Southern region of the United States, and is cultivated today in temperate areas in the US and Europe. According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," it is especially popular in Italy. Medicinal use of this unique plant has a long history, since Native Americans collected the plant from the wild to use for its sedative and tranquilizing properties.
Description
Identify passionflower by its egg-shaped plant and characteristic purple and white flower. Its name comes from the passion of Christ, the flower's 5 stamens representing the wounds of Christ and the 3 styles representing the nails of the crucifixion. The plant's flowers and leaves are the active components used in herbal remedies. Plant passionflower in your herb garden to have a ready supply of these unique and attractive blossoms, recommends "The Complete Book of Herbs."
Insomnia
Passionflower tea is a traditional remedy for insomnia. To help induce sleep, drink a cup of passionflower tea in the evening. As an insomnia remedy, passionflower combines well with chamomile, linden or lavender. Try a blended infusion of passionflower with any of these herbs to boost its strength, help you relax and go to sleep easily, recommends "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants."
Sedative
According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," passionflower is a natural herbal treatment for anxiety, tension and panic. It is antispasmodic and gently relieves a variety of conditions related to nervous tension--such as asthma, epilepsy, hysteria, high-blood pressure, heart palpitations, muscle spasms or cramps. Passionflower herb is available as a tea, tincture or tablet. Talk to a certified practitioner for dosage information and before beginning any herbal supplements.
Pain Relief
Due to its sedative and antispasmodic effects, passionflower also relieves physical pain in a variety of forms. Try it for premenstrual cramps or to reduce headache pain. It may also relieve toothaches and muscular pain. "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" recommends passionflower especially for pain that causes difficulty falling asleep.
References
- "The Complete Book of Herbs;" Lesley Bremness; 1988
- "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants;" Andrew Chevallier; 1996
- "The New Age Herbalist;" Richard Mabey; 1988
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