Passion flower, or Passiflora incarnata, is a plant originally used by Native Americans in the Southeastern regions of North America. It contains powerful alkaloids and flavonoids prized for the ability to sedate individuals with asthma, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, anxiety and stress in addition to its being a diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb. Today, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that passion flower may increase levels of GABA, a chemical in the brain that induces relaxation. It is most often found in combination with other calming herbs such as valerian and lemon balm to reduce anxiety prior to surgery and invasive treatments, and to treat generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia symptoms naturally. As always, it is imperative to consult with a licensed health practitioner before attempting to self-medicate any condition.
Nausea and Digestive Problems Related to Stress
When an individual experiences tremendous amounts of stress, the gastrointestinal system immediately responds. Symptoms associated with anxious moods and hypertension can include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea and cramping. Passion flower taken orally is considered both safe and helpful for these conditions. However, it should be noted that the University of Michigan Health System has reported a single case in which a woman developed severe nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and heart symptoms when she attempted to self-medicate. The role of the passion flower as attributing to her symptoms are still unknown. Passion flower is available in several liquid forms, including infusions, teas, extracts and tinctures, making it easier to swallow and digest under duress.
Blood Pressure
Individuals suffering from chronic environmental stress often have contributing disorders such as asthma, hypertension, chest pain, spasms and shortness of breath. Passion flower can slow the respiratory and pulmonary systems to reduce high blood pressure and calm the nervous system to a regular pace. Additionally, passion flower slows the pulse and decreases tension in the arteries, relaxing the heart and allowing blood to flow more normally. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, passion flower is considered safe but may have anti-coagulating effects, so it should not be taken with blood thinning drugs such as Plavix, Coumadin or aspirin.
Anxiety
The Department of Pharmacy at Wright University suggests that passion flower performed rather well in animal studies for reducing symptoms associated with anxiety, including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, nervousness and may provide pain relief for some medical conditions. Passion flower is widely accepted and used in Europe, however more clinical trials are needed for the United States to support this. Passion flower is sedative and should not be taken with other sedatives such as Dilantin, barbiturates, Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, Rozerem, tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Additionally, passion flower has not been approved for anxiety in children or women who are pregnant or nursing.
Insomnia
Due to the sedative properties in passion flower, individuals who suffer from insomnia with hypertension and anxiety will find benefits from getting sleep. Medline Plus Supplements advises against the use of passion flower in combination with other sedative herbs, including 5-HTP, calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian and yerba mansa until you know the effect it has. Excessive drowsiness and sleepiness can result, creating a significant concern for safety and the ability to operate vehicles or machinery.
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