Passion flower is an herb native to the midwestern United States, although it is also grown in parts of South and Central America. Peruvian herbalists believed that the flowers of this herb offered aphrodisiac benefits. Although passion flower may not boost your sex drive, this herb has a long history of use in herbal medicine.
Sedative
Passion flower may may offer sedative benefits, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Maltol and ethyl-maltol, two of the primary chemical compounds in passion flower, may improve your ability to fall asleep and may help you stay asleep. This may reduce the effects of insomnia and may improve alertness and physical energy. It may also improve your body's ability to repair organs, muscle, connective tissue and bone cells.
Antispasmodic
The chemical compounds in passion flower may offer antispasmodic benefits, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Passion flower may help regulate contractions of your intestines that move wastes though your digestive system. Irregular intestinal contractions are associated with irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that can produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and intestinal infection.
Antibiotic
The petals of the passion flower may offer antibiotic benefits, according to Castleman. They contain chemical compounds that may help fight fungi and bacteria that can cause illness and disease. Passion flower may be particularly effective for destroying bacteria and fungi on the surface of your skin. This may help prevent infection of skin wounds, rashes and acne lesions.
Heart Disease Prevention
Harmala, a group of chemical compounds in passion flower, may dilate arteries that supply blood to your heart, according to Castleman. This may help relieve arterial blockages that can contribute to coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Improved blood circulation may also enhance delivery of minerals, vitamins and oxygen to your bones, muscles and organs, which may help improve overall health. However, current evidence linking passion flower to heart disease prevention is not conclusive.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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