Passiflora Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata, stem, HERB TM

Passionflower, Stem

Passiflora incarnata

Application: Passionflower has long been used for insomnia, epilepsy, nervousness, stomach or menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, headaches and hysteria. It is also used sometimes to treat slight pain from toothache. The tincture is used as a sedative to tame overactive mind. The tablets are commonly available remedy for insomnia and stress.

Effect: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, calming.

Distribution: The name comes from its beautiful flowers that are believed to represent the crucifixion – the five stamens are the five wounds, the three pistil are the three nails, white and purple-blue are purity and sky.

The Aztecs called the plant "snake tongue" and used it as a remedy for snakebite, fevers and other diseases.

The fruit was called "Granadilla" because of his resemblance to "granadas" or pomegranate (Punica granatum).

The herb has long been used by local Indians for medicinal purposes. The Cherokee drank an infusion of the root to treat liver problems, topically to treat boils, wounds and pain in the ear, as well as for food. Other tribes have used tea as a tonic for the blood.

In 1978, the FDA removed the plant from the list of herbs that are generally considered safe, as it is not proven to be an effective remedy for sleep problems. However in Europe it is considered safe and is widely used in treatment of nervous disturbance.

Plant has been used in treatment of neuralgia and migraine headache. It has been published a case of a patient who suffered terribly from both and did not find relief from acupuncture. Then he turned to herbalist who prescribed passionflower in tablet form. After four days he was released from the pain that never returned .

Its soothing effects help to reduce anxiety and are useful in conditions such as asthma, palpitations, hypertension, muscle cramps where anxiety is one of the main reasons.

In Mexico, passion flower tea is appreciated a lot and because of its soothing effect is taken at bedtime to stimulate sleep and relaxation.

A related species, P. quadrangularis, was found to contain a serotonin, one of the key chemical messengers in the brain. It is comparable in some respects with valerian.
Caution! The herb is contraindicated in inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.

Directions: The recommended intake of the dried herb is 4-8 grams a day. To make tea soak 0.5 to 2.5 g herb in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink two to three times per day.

Manufactured by: Herb Ltd.