What is Passionflower?
Passionflower is a plant in the Passifloraceae family. It is also
known by a number of other names including Passion Vine, Water Lemon,
Granadilla, Apricot Vine, Maypop, Jamaican Honeysuckle, Passionsblume
Kraut and Maracuja. There are roughly 500 species of Passionflower, most
of which grow as vines, shrubs, or herbaceous plants. What makes the
plant interesting is that it is rich in flavonoids, glycosides, organic
acids (i.e. formic, butyric, linoleic, linolenic, malic, myristic, oleic
and palmitic acids), phenolic compounds, and amino acids. For this
reason, it is not surprising that Passionflower has been used for
centuries to treat many health conditions. The food and beverage
industry also uses extract from the plant for flavouring purposes.
What are the Health Benefits of Passionflower?
From a health perspective, Passionflower is known for its antibacterial,
antifungal, and analgesic properties. It also has sedative, anxiolytic
and antispasmodic activity, which is why it has traditionally been used
as a calming herb for the treatment of anxiety, nervousness, agitation,
sleep disorders (insomnia), and seizures. Recent studies by herbalists
also suggest that Passionflower may help with conditions such as
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Hysteria, Asthma, High
Blood Pressure, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Menopausal and Postpartum
depression symptoms, Fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, hemorrhoids, burns,
and inflammation. It has also been used to relieve the symptoms caused
by narcotic drugs or alcohol withdrawal.
Uses of Passionflower
Anxiety
Passionflower is well known for its calming activity. It contains
beta-carboline harmala alkaloids that help reduce the amount of MAO
(Monoamine Oxidase). This in turn helps treat anxiety and depression, as
well as nervous restlessness. Therefore, drinking a cup of tea made
with 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried leaves of Passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata/maypop) or its tea bag may help with anxiety, nervousness,
agitation, epilepsy and seizures. Simply steep the tea bag or one
tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves of Passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata) in one cup of boiling water for 7-10 minutes and drink it
when it reaches a suitable temperature.
Sleep Disorders
Humans have been using Passionflower to treat sleep disorders for
centuries. Scientists believe that Passionflower helps increase the
levels of an amino acid called GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) in the
brain which acts as a neurotransmitter. Research indicates that
increased levels of GABA in the brain make us feel more calm and relaxed
by reducing the production of excitatory neurotransmitters which lead
to anxiety-induced sleep disorders. Therefore, drinking a cup of
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) tea about one hour before bedtime
may improve sleep quality.
Burns, Inflammation, and Pain
Passionflower is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
Therefore applying a passionflower tea bag onto an area of the body
that has a minor burn, inflammation, or pain may help relieve
discomfort. Simply soak an organic Passionflower tea bag in a very small
amount of warm water and let the tea bag absorb that water for about
five minutes. Apply that soaked tea bag onto the affected area for 10-15
minutes two to three times daily.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Passionflower tea is an effective natural remedy for stomach problems
such as indigestion or an upset stomach. Simply drink one cup of
Passionflower tea at the onset of minor gastrointestinal discomfort
twice daily. If the stomach discomfort is not relieved within three
days, it is best to consult your physician to make sure there isn't some
more serious issue.
High Blood Pressure
For individuals that have mild levels of hypertension but otherwise
maintain a healthy lifestyle consisting of a good diet and regular
exercise, drinking one cup of Passionflower tea daily has been shown to
be beneficial in regulating blood pressure levels. Note that individuals
who are taking medication for high blood pressure should avoid this
passionflower tea remedy since it may cause blood pressure levels to
fall to dangerously low levels.
Side Effects of Passionflower
Passionflower is generally safe when taken moderately and for a short
duration of no more than two months continuously. To use it beyond two
months, it is recommended that it be discontinued for two to three weeks
before continuing usage. Some side effects of the plant include
dizziness, confusion, altered consciousness, irregular muscle action,
nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and abnormal heart rhythm when consumed in
large amounts or for extended cycles. If you notice any of these
symptoms, discontinue use and contact your physician. Passionflower is
not recommended for pregnant women since it contains chemicals which may
cause contractions of the uterus. It should also not be used if you are
breastfeeding since there is not enough research to determine how safe
it is for infants. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure
or are taking CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants, or if you plan
to take anesthesia for an upcoming surgery, do not consume Passionflower
since it may alter the effects of these medications. Passionflower
should also be avoided by individuals that have low blood pressure,
since the anti-hypertensive activity of Passionflower may drop blood
pressure levels to dangerously lower levels.
Where and How to Buy Passionflower
Passionflower is available in herbal food stores and online herbal
websites in the form of tablets, capsules, tea bags or liquid extracts.
When purchasing Passionflower products, make sure to check that the
product is organic and is prepared using Passiflora incarnata/maypop,
since this particular species of the plant is the most popular and best
understood species from a health perspective.
