Passion Flowers & Hypoglycemia

Passion flower (passiflora incarnata) is a popular herbal and homeopathic remedy with myriad uses in mood alteration, concentration and anxiety and can be used as an analgesic. It has also been used as a hallucinogen, though this is not an advised use for the herb. Persons with hypoglycemia are cautioned against the use of passion flower, specifically with valerian root.

The Origin of Passion Flower

• Passiflora Online writes that the passion flower "acquired its name from descriptions of its flower parts supplied in the Seventeenth Century by Spanish priests in South America." The name refers to the Passion, or Christ's suffering. According to the site, it was known as "La Flor de las cinco Llagas," which means "the flower with the five wounds." It is known by dozens of names now, some of which still refer to the religious origin, such as Isusova kruna (Jesus crown), while others reference a town in Corrientes Province, Argentina, where many names originated.

Uses of Passion Flower Individually

• On its own, passion flower is used for anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and PMS, and is believed to be able to help with depression. It also has indications for use with treatment of fatigue, irritability, headaches, epilepsy and shingles, according to the website of the Hypoglycemia Health Association of Australia. It is also, according to the website, used in Italy to treat hyperactivity in children.

Use of Passion Flower With Other Herbs

• Passion flower is often combined with valerian root because the two are well-known herbal sedatives. Viable-herbal.com lists Valerian as "a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, as well as a premier sedative that aids in anxiety, stress and insomnia," and the site indicates that valerian, like passion flower, is sometimes used for behavioral disorders or hyperactivity.

Passion Flower and Hypoglycemia

• Passion flower is to be avoided by people with hypoglycemia, as it is contraindicated for use. Pregnant women should also avoid the herb, as should people with low blood pressure.

Herbs for Hypoglycemia

• St. John's Botanicals suggests juniper berries, uva ursi, licorice root, mullein, Oregon grape root, peppermint and blueberry leaf for hypoglycemia and diabetes. Vitamin C, ginseng, mugwort and feverfew are all indicated for treatment of hypoglycemia. Like all medications and remedies, use of any herbal supplements should be discussed with a physician before treatment begins.