Passion flower has historical uses as a treatment for anxiety, hysteria, seizures and insomnia due to its calming properties. Today, passion flower is still in use as a natural treatment for insomnia and anxiety disorder. It is hypothesized that passion flower may also be of assistance in lowering blood pressure due to its soothing effects.
Passion Flower
The passion flower plant, also known scientifically as Passiflora incarnata, is found in the southeastern parts of North America. There are approximately 400 species of the genus Passiflora, which are primarily climbing perennials. Each flower bares five white petals and sepals that range from bright purple to blue. This folk remedy contains calming properties in the stem, flower and leaves, which are used medicinally in teas, infusions, extracts and tinctures. P. incarnata is the species of passion flower utilized for medicinal purposes, containing flavonoids, harman indole alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides and maltol.
Uses and Dosing
Passion flower has received attention for its use as a calming agent. An article published in the October 2001 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" supports claims of efficacy in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. To make tea, steep 0.5 to 2 g, or approximately 1 tsp., of dried passion flower in 1 c. boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and allow to cool. Drink 3 to 4 c. per day to calm anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may use 10 to 30 drops of the fluid extract three times a day or 10 to 60 drops of the tincture three times per day, according to the UMMC.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a serious medical condition affecting one in three Americans that may lead to other complications if not treated, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The term blood pressure refers to "the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood," states the Institute. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to damage throughout your body, including the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Passion flower use for lowering blood pressure specifically has not been tested, but its proven efficacy for improving sleep and decreasing symptoms of anxiety is likely to support decreases to blood pressure.
Cautions
Passion flower should not be used in conjunction with blood thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin or Plavix, as it may heighten the effects of these medications, placing you at risk for bleeding. This herb should also not be used in conjunction with other sedatives such as those used to induce sleep, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants or barbiturates. Passion flower may have other drug interactions than those listed, so discuss with your doctor prior to using this herbal remedy. Use of large amounts of passion flower may depress the central nervous system. Allergic symptoms such as skin rash, asthma or rhinitis may occur.
References
- Wellness; Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata L.)
- Medline Plus; Passionflower; 2011
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics"; Passionflower in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety: a Pilot Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial with Oxazepam; S. Akhondzadeh Ph.D.; et al.; October 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Passionflower; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2009
- Drugs: Passion Flower
- National Heart Blood and Lung Institute: How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
