Passionflower is the name of a vine that usually climbs trellises and walls. It is renowned for its beautiful flowers with white, purple, blue, or pink calyx crown blooms. Its use as a medicinal plant is recorded as far back in history as the 17th century. Although the name, Passionflower, leads some people to believe that this herb might be used as an aphrodisiac, that is not the case. It actually is more of a spiritual reference. When the Jesuit Priests first arrived in the New World, they were struck by the breath taking beauty of this spectacular flower. They saw a resemblance to the crown of thorns worn by Christ, and thought the five stamens inside the flower to look like the nails used on the cross. The priests interpreted the representation of this flower to be a ‘sign’ that they were supposed to stay in the New World and bring the teachings of Christ to the native people. Modern science has confirmed the traditional medicinal use as a relaxant, and anti-stress herb. It is a common ingredient in carminatives (herbs used to calm the nerves) and is often used in combination with other relaxants such as Valerian and Hops.
Passionflower contains flavonoids and other constituents such as Harman alkaloids that are probably responsible for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects.
The flowers stems and leaves are all collected to create an herbal therapy. If you are going to choose a Passionflower product that may support rest and sleep, some products are standardized to contain no less than 0.8% flavonoids, and will say so on the label. Passionflower is also often used to help calm down anxiety, and is often combined with other relaxation herbs, such as lemon balm, hops and valerian.
Studies have confirmed that Passionflower may be as effective as anti-anxiety medication, such as oxazepan (Serax®) but was better tolerated and had less adverse effects.
Modern science is continuing to study Passionflower and is revealing other healing properties. For example a Sept 2016 study investigated the positive effects of passionflower as an aid for colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation. A study published in June 2016 studied an herbal combination that includes passionflower and found that it can be helpful for quality of life and sexual function of perimenopausal women.
To use Passionflower as an herbal remedy pick a flower off the vine along with a few leaves, cut up with a scissor and put in a cup. Add hot boiling water, and allow to steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink the tea. You can also add some peppermint leaves for more flavor. Of course passionflower is also available for purchase in the health food store, as a tea, tincture or capsule. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Passionflower has been found to be safe after thousands of years of traditional use. However, as with any herb or food, there is a possibility for herb drug interactions if you are taking pharmaceutical medications, although there are no reports in the literature of adverse effects due to passionflower.
Passionflower grows well in warm environments, and may be the perfect decorative vine to grow in Florida, since it can be enjoyed as breathtaking flower and clipped to make a cup of relaxing tea!
References:
Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001;26:363–7.
Anzoise ML, et.al, Beneficial properties of Passiflora caerulea on experimental colitis., J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Sep 2. pii: S0378-8741(16)30652-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.09.002
Caruso S, et. Al, Effects of nutraceuticals on quality of life and sexual function of perimenopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest. 2016 Jun 14.
Fisher AA, Purcell P, Le Couteur DG. Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:63–6.
Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 68–9.
Meier B. Passiflora incarnata L.—Passion flower: Portrait of a medicinal plant. Zeitschrift Phytother 1995;16:115–26.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 206–7.
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 363–5.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 206–7.
Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, The Natural Nurse®, is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She offers consults in person or by phone (954) 418-2388.
