Passiflora for Insomnia

Passiflora also goes by the name passion flower. It is an herb that is often used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Passion flower is said to be effective when used by alcoholics who suffer from insomnia. The plant can be found in areas such as southeast U.S. and Brazil. It is a non-addictive option for treatment.

Uses

• Some of the symptoms the passion flower has been used to treat are nervousness, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. When taken, the passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, which includes a mild sedative effect. It can also help to treat symptoms that may be causing insomnia, including helping whooping cough, pain and discomfort caused by menstruation.

Why it Works on Insomnia

• The passion flower's sedative effect is what works to treat insomnia. The tranquilizing effect that the passion flower has on people comes from the activity it causes on the central nervous system. The other effect that this herb has is a soothing effect on muscles, which relaxes the digestive system, helping with digestion.

Dosage

• There is not an established standard for dosage of passion flower for insomnia. There are different forms that it can be taken in, including capsules and liquids, so the dosage will depend on the method by which the herb is being taken. The dosage will also depend on how your body reacts to it. A standard dosage for a liquid version of the medication is 20 drops in water, four times a day.

Warnings

• The passion flower herb is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant, or by children who are under 2. A doctor should be consulted before combining passion flower with any other medication used as a sedative or as a tranquilizer. There are not any side effects that have been reported from taking passion flower.

Other Remedies for Insomnia

• Other possible remedies for insomnia include acupuncture, investigation of food allergies that may be causing the problem, and participating in regular exercise. Another remedy that may work is cutting out stimulants that may be the cause of the insomnia. You may not be aware that you are taking a stimulant, as caffeine is present in various medications.