Passionflower, Dried
Latin Name: Passiflora Incarnata
Family: Passifloraceae
Description
There are a number of different varieties of this plant, many of which grow edible fruits with a sweet tasting yellowish pulp. The flowers of Passiflora incarnata are yellowish or flesh-coloured with a sweet aroma. One should wait to pick this herb until the first berries have ripened.
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.
Source
Dried parts of plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Pour one cup boiling water over one teaspoon herb and infuse 10 minutes. Take three times daily.
Supplement: Take 2 capsules up to four times daily.
Tincture: Take 20 to 30 drops in 1 cup of warm water.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy and use sparingly after.
This herb should not be confused with its cousin P. caerulea, which contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides.
Passionflower can have a sedating effect on the body and can cause drowsiness. Do not use while driving, operating heavy/precision machinery, or performing any other activity requiring a high, acute, level of awareness.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
By browsing / printing any and all My Best Remedies articles / pages, you agree to the statements above.
