The dietary supplement passion flower has been used as a remedy for some psychological disorders and sleep disturbances. Some people believe passion flower is a natural way to control blood pressure, but there is little evidence supporting this use. Like many herbs, passion flower also poses some potentially serious risks for women who are pregnant.
Passion Flower Overview
Passion flower is an herb that grows in the wild. Like many herbs, the supplement made from the passion flower plant is reputed to have many potential health benefits. Passion flower supplements were sold as a sleep aid in the '70s, but because their effect was undetermined, the product was removed from the market. Today, passion flower is available over the counter in the supplement aisle. While it may be effective for some medical conditions, including anxiety and adjustment disorders, there is little evidence to date that suggests it can replace other more traditional medical interventions for these diagnoses.
Passion Flower and Blood Pressure
Some people consider passion flower supplements a natural way to control high blood pressure. However, whether or not it influences blood pressure is difficult to gauge, considering the lack of supportive research. According to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website, there is not sufficient evidence to support the use of passion flower as a blood pressure treatment. This does not mean it can't work for some people. It simply means the research is either lacking or the results have not been consistent. While no one should replace his blood pressure medication with passion flower without talking to his doctor, there are some people who should avoid passion flower altogether. This includes pregnant women.
Passion Flower and Pregnancy
According to Medline Plus, passion flower is a nervous system depressant. This means it can potentially act as a sedative. However, for pregnant women, passion flower poses an even greater risk -- it may cause the uterus to contract. The American Pregnancy Association says that oral passion flower supplements are possibly harmful during pregnancy, though they do not mention other forms such as teas. Medline Plus, however, reports that certain chemicals in passion flower are responsible for the contractions, and they advise against using it in any form for this reason.
Bottom Line on Passion Flower
While blood pressure problems are serious during pregnancy, self-medication is not the answer. Passion flower is not safe for pregnant women to use, and even if it were, it may not even be effective for high blood pressure. If you are having blood pressure problems during your pregnancy, follow the advice of your obstetrician. Before considering any other herbal remedies for blood pressure control, remember that most herbs are not regulated by the FDA. Even though you can purchase them without a prescription, they may not be safe for your unborn child. Uterus contractions increase the risk for preterm labor, which can be harmful for both you and your baby. Always talk to your doctor before trying any type of herbal remedy, even those you used prior to becoming pregnant.
