What Is Passion Flower Extract?

Passion flower is an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The ancient Aztecs used passion flower as a pain reliever and as a sedative. Native Americans, as well as the Aztecs, also used passion flower as a tea to treat anxiety, epilepsy and insomnia. Today, passion flower is still used as a sedative and as an antispasmodic for the treatment for anxiety, hyperactivity and insomnia.

What is Passion Flower?

• Passion flower is a vine that grows in the western hemisphere. It is believed to be named for the symbolic connection of its appearance to the crucifixion of Jesus. It spreads by tubers under the ground that spread outwards from the main plant. The flowers vary in color depending on the soil type that they are growing in as well as the weather in the region.

How Passion Flower Extract is Created

• Passion flower extract is known by many names, such as passiflora, flor de passion and purple passion flower. The extract is created by drying the aerial parts of the passion flower and then crushing them. To make the liquid form of the extract, the crushed herbs are mixed with a fluid. Researchers do not yet know all of the active ingredients in passion flower extract, but three that are known to exist in passion flower extract are the alkaloids harmine and harmaline, and the monoflavonoid known as chrysin.

Uses for Passion Flower Extract

• Passion flower extract can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, nervous stomach and even chemical dependency. Although the evidence is sketchy, passion flower extract has been somewhat useful as a weight loss aid because of its calming effect on the body's nervous system. Passion flower extract is also useful for the treatment of shortness of breath as well as for increasing the ability of congestive heart patients to be able to breathe better while exercising.

Safety Issues

• Passion flower is currently listed on the Federal Drug Administrations GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list. Passion flower acts somewhat like an MAO inhibitor and also may stimulate the uterus. Therefore, it is highly recommended that passion flower extract in any form not be used by pregnant or nursing women, very young children or anyone who may have severe kidney or liver disease. Also, if taking any type of sedative, passion flower extract should not be used as it may increase the sedative effects to a dangerous level.

How to Use Passion Flower Extract

• Passion flower tea can be made by placing 10-30 drops of liquid passion flower extract in 1 cup of boiling water; let cool, then drink. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the average adult dose to treat anxiety is 3-4 cups per day. For insomnia, they recommend 1 cup 1 hour before bed. However, always follow the directions on the product when it is purchased from a store, as other ingredients may be mixed with the passion flower in the extract.