How to Take Passion Flower for Health

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is also known as may apple and wild apricot. It is a fast growing perennial vine native to the southeastern United States. The berries are edible, and the aerial parts are used medicinally. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.

Instructions

• 1

  Read about the historical uses of passion flower. It has been used to treat anxiety, hysteria, insomnia and seizures since the late 19th century and was available in many over-the-counter sedatives during the early 20th century. It is still used for that purpose by professional herbalists.

• 2

  Look at the results of modern scientific testing. Clinical trials have been generally inconclusive, and the Food and Drug Administration banned its use for medicinal purposes in 1978 because of a lack of proven effectiveness. It is still available as a sedative in Germany, however. The active ingredients are thought to be flavonoids. Passion flower products in Europe are typically standardized to at least 0.8 percent flavonoids.

• 3

  Study the side effects of passion flower. It is generally considered safe and non-toxic, but there have been isolated cases of nausea and vomiting.

• 4

  Take no more than the recommended dosage. Because it is not available in pill form in the United States, it is most often taken as an infusion of 2 to 5 grams of the dried herb three times per day.

• 5

  Use caution when taking passion flower with other sedatives as it may enhance their effect. Passion flower is contraindicated if you are pregnant or nursing.