Passiflora or passion flower is a popular climbing vine with gardeners as it is adorned with beautiful purple flowers. It is native to South, Central and North America, but varieties of this vigorous plant now grow almost everywhere. The plant acquired its name from the 16th-century Spanish missionaries, who believed the flower represented the crucifixion: the three styles for the nails through Christ’s hands and feet, and the five stamens for his wounds. The leaves, stems and flowers are used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Passiflora
The most important constituents of Passiflora are flavonoids, especially apigenin and isovitexin and the glycosides, including gynocardin. Passiflora has relaxing and anti-Anxiety properties, as well as mild pain relieving and anti-spasmodic effects.
Passiflora Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend Passiflora for the following disorders:
Anxiety
Dysphagia
Entropion
Globus
Hyperventilation
Hysteria
Insomnia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic attacks
Sleep disorders
Other Passiflora Information
Passiflora reduces spasms and is often used for stomach cramps, palpitations, High blood pressure and colic.It is available as tablets, capsules, tincture and as a tea.
Side Effects of Passiflora
Passiflora is a very safe herb and has no side effects or contra-indications, although some herbalists do not recommend that it should not be taken with the MAOI category of anti-depressant drugs.
There are no known reports of harmful effects during pregnancy or breast-feeding, but check with your doctor first.
When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Passiflora.
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