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Information about the herb Passionflower
Passiflora
incarnata , also known as Passion Vine is part of the Passifloraceae plant family. Originates from South America and most
tropical countries.
Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata
Plant Family: Passifloraceae
Common Names: Passion Vine, Granadilla, Maracoc, Maypops, Purple Passion Flower
History: Spanish missionaries believed the flowers were a symbol of Christ's crucifixion and the crown of thorns Christ's passion and this is where the name 'passion flower' comes from.
Native American tribes used Passionflower as a poultice for:
- an overall tonic
- bruises
- injuries
Tradition: Passionflower was used to:
- calm a troubled household when placed inside the home
- calm a troubled heart
Plant Constituents of Passionflower
Contains:
- alkaloids
- Passiflorine
Action:
- anodyne [an agent that soothes or relieves pain]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- depressant to the motor side of the spinal cord [an agent which lessens nervous or functional activity; the opposite of stimulant]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- hypnotic [an agent that promotes or produces sleep without disturbing alertness and receptiveness to others]
- narcotic [a drug which relieves pain and induces sleep when used in medicinal doses; large doses of narcotics produce convulsions, stupor, insensibility, coma or death]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
Medicinal Parts Used: The dried herb, collected after some of the berries have ripened
Passionflower is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- anxiety
- debility with pain
- epilepsy
- hyperactivity
- hysteria
- insomnia
- irritability
- muscle tension due to anxiety
- narcotic induced hangover
- nervous headache
- nervous tension
- neuralgia
- pain of shingles
- Parkinson's Disease
- restlessness
- sedative for nervous conditions
- spasms
Cardiovascular Conditions
- increases rate of respiration without unduly affecting circulation
- slightly reduces arterial pressure
Female Conditions
- dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea
- dysentery
Respiratory System Conditions
- asthma where there are severe spasms
Other
- eye infections (infusion)
- eye strain (infusion)
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 15-40mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution:
- It can cause sleepiness during the day in some individuals, although this usually is not a problem
- It should be avoided during pregnancy due to its possible stimulating effects on the muscles of the womb
Global Herbal Supplies has Passion Flower available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
