Anxiety can affect anyone at any age. According to MayoClinic.com, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety all have similar symptoms but they are different conditions. Anxiety can bring on feelings of fear and tension. Most doctors prescribe anxiety medication to treat this condition; however, using passionflower as an alternative treatment may help calm anxious nerves. Speak with your doctor before using passionflower or any other herb to treat health conditions.
Passionflower
The passionflower plant is a perennial herb growing to nearly 32 feet and is grown throughout Europe. The flowers of this plant range in color from blue to magenta. The stems, leaves and flowers of the plant have been used medicinally for many years to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and seizures. In addition to the medicinal benefits, passionflower extract can be used as flavoring in food and drinks.
Properties
Scientists are not certain how passionflower works, but it is believed that the herb works by increasing a chemical in the brain called gamma-amniobutyric acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This chemical helps reduce certain brain cell activity, leading to a more relaxed state. The exact effects of passionflower on anxiety have not been determined, as they are usually used in conjunction with other herbs to treat this condition.
Uses
Passionflower comes in many forms such as extract, tinctures and teas. Studies have not been conducted using this herb on children; therefore passionflower should not be given to children without doctor's supervision. To us passionflower as an alternative treatment for anxiety, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 10 to 60 drops of passionflower tincture three times per day or 10 to 30 drops of the passionflower fluid extract three times per day. If you prefer the passionflower tea, add 1 tsp. of dried passionflower leaves to 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes, strain, cool and drink. Passionflower tea may be consumed three or four times per day for anxiety.
Side Effects
Passionflower may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, increased or rapid heart rate and drowsiness. Passionflower is not recommended for women who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, using this herb with sedatives and other calming herbs such as kava, St. John's wort, valerian and skullcap may lead to increased sleepiness
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