Passion Flower Benefits
The passion flower plant is a member of the Passifloraceae family. They predominantly grow on vines and produce bright flowers and a small fruit called granadilla. The flowers, and aerial parts, of the plants can be made into natural compounds and used for multiple medicinal purposes-
Origin
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The passionflower name comes from early explorers. The markings on the flowers reminded the explorers of three nails and a crown of thorns, which they related to the Passion of Christ. The passion flower is also referred to as Passiflora incarnate, maypop or Wild Passion Flower.
The passion flower is native to the southeastern Western Hemisphere and is now also grown in Europe.
Components
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The passion flower contains numerous alkaloids and flavonids that are believed to have a sedative effect on the nervous system. The ingredients found in the passion flower include vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, saponarin, glycosides, gynocardin and chrysin. The passion flower also contains amino acids and sterols.
Benefits
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Passion flower compounds are commonly used as natural treatments for issues of the nervous system. Commonly treated issues include nervousness, anxiety, panic attacks, tension, mild mood swings, restlessness, nervous insomnia and irritability. It is a common ingredient in natural sleep aids. The passion flower is used as a treatment for shingles, epilepsy, asthma, circulatory issues and menopause or menstrual symptoms.
The specific reason for the beneficial effects of the passion flower has not been determined. However, scientists believe that the combination of the plant's components increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA promotes relaxation by lowering the activity of brain cells.
Forms
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The passion flower may be dried and used for natural medicinal treatments. Both the flower and above-ground parts of the plant are used. It can be prepared into tea, tinctures, liquid extracts or infusions and it is also available in capsule form.
It is often combined with other anti-anxiety herbs such as valerian, kava or lemon balm.
Warning
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Consult your doctor prior to taking passion flower for medical purposes, especially if you are taking a prescription sedative. There may be interactions if you are taking certain drugs such as sedatives, blood thinners or MAOI anti-depressants. In very high doses the passion flower may be a hallucinogen. Pregnant women, and those who are breast-feeding, should not take passion flower as appropriate testing has not been done. It is considered a sedative; caution should be taken prior to driving or operating heavy machinery.
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