Herbs - Passionflower - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Passionflower is an ideal sedative and is used for sleeplessness due to mental exertion, nervous excitability, anxiety, tension, and constrictive headaches. It is a relaxant to the nervous system and is non-addictive. Due to the plant's vasodilating and sedating properties, the infusion can be used to lower high blood pressure. David Hoffman states that "it aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover". The alkaloids and flavonoids in the plant are said to give Passionflower its tranquilizing and analgesic properties.

Passionflower's ability to check spasms makes it very useful in Parkinson's disease, epileptic seizures, and hysteria. It is very useful for nerve pain associated with neuralgia and shingles. Taken daily, Passionflower can help in the withdrawal of alcohol, benzodiazepine, and valium addictions. It is said to be quite good at strengthening the heart muscles. Passionflower helps reduce the discomforts of menstruation, parturition, and menopause.

Its tranquilizing effect make this herb ideal for those with anxiety, insomnia, or stress.

The MAO inhibitors present in passionflower make a suitable substitute for pharmaceutical drugs used to treat depression.