Passion Flower Herb Information

As a calming herb, passion flower has traditionally been used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Passion flower increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a chemical that lowers the activity of brain cells, making you feel relaxed.

Plant Description

• Passion flower is a perennial vine, native to southeastern parts of America. Each stem grows to about 32 feet and the flowers have five white petals and five sepals that vary from blue to magenta. The fruit is a yellow or purple oval berry and some of them are edible.

Medicinal Properties

• The flavonoids present in passion flower are responsible for its anti-anxiety effects. Some of these flavonoids, such as kaempferol, apigenin, quercetin and luteolin, are being studied and show promise in fighting cancer and Parkinson's disease. The herb's leaves and stems have anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, sedative and astringent properties. For this reason, passion flower is commonly used to help treat insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and premenstrual cramping. It is also taken as an infusion to depress the motor nerves of the spinal cord and treat back pain. Passion flower's sedative properties do not cause drowsiness and they are not addictive.

How to Prepare

• You can brew passion flower into a tea or an infusion and the berries and flowers are edible and can be added to a salad. In order to make a tea, take 1 tbsp. of the dried herb, which contains leaves, flower petals and stems, and add hot water. Allow the herbs to steep in the water for 10 minutes and strain. In order to make and infusion, place 1/4 cup of dry herb into 4 cups of boiling water and let it steep for four hours.

Dosage

• One to three cups of passion flower tea daily is a good way to remain relaxed and calm. One cup an hour before bed helps with insomnia. For a stronger dosage take an infusion of passion flower throughout the day. Passion flower may also be taken as a tincture, 30 to 60 drops, thrice daily.

Additional Information

• Passion flower is easy to cultivate by seed or root division. It also does well transplanted from the wild. It requires slightly acid, well drained soil and full sun.