The Calming Power of Passionflower
For centuries, the unusual looking violet and white passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used as a calming botanical treatment. Its use dates back to the Aztecs in Central America who used parts of the vine to treat insomnia. Native Americans used it to soothe inflammation in wounds. Spanish conquistadors brought passionflower to Europe and from there it made its way to North America. As the herb traveled the world, new uses were discovered. It has been used as a calming tonic for babies during weaning, to tame anxiety, and to support a general state of relaxation. Today, passionflower has therapeutic uses as a gentle sedative to reduce anxiousness and as a sleep aid.
The exact pathways through which passionflower brings about calming effects are still being studied. We know that some compounds in passionflower bind to the same areas of brain cells affected by a neurotransmitter known as GABA. Like GABA, passionflower soothes the nervous system by reducing activity in certain brain cells, resulting in a relaxation response.
There are many ways to use passionflower: loose leaf and bagged tea, capsule or tablet, and tincture. Drowsiness and dizziness can occur when taking passionflower. When taken with other medications, it can increase the effects of those medications. Passionflower also contains compounds that can stimulate the uterus, so it is not suitable for pregnant women. Before using passionflower in any form, consult with a holistic physician or experienced herbalist.
Categories
All Categories 20/20/20 rule 2021 acne acupuncture adrenal adrenal health allergy attack almond alzheimers amino acids anti-inflammatory antioxidant antioxidants anxiety apricot apricots arnica aromatherapy artichoke artichokes asparagus b vitamins banana beans beets berberines bilberries black bean black current black mold blackstrap molasses blueberries bone broth bone health boron brain brain health brainwaves bread bromelein brownies bruising bugs burdock root cac calcium california poppy cannabis caraway carbs carrot cake carrots cashews catmint catnip celery change cherries cherry chickpea children chili chinese medicine chlorophyll chocolate cilantro circulation ciruit training clay coconut coenzyme-q10 cognition cold connective support constipation cookies cooking oils coriander coronary covid-19 curry cycling dance dandelion date dementia dental healt dental health dental hygiene depression detox devils claw diet digestive dill eat healthy eating for health eating for heath eatingforhealth edmr eggs electrolytes energize energy enzyme equine therapy essential oils evoo exercise exfoliate extra virgin olive oil eye health eye strain family farro fascial work fasting fathead dough fatigue fats feng shui fenugreek fever feverfew first aid fish fish oil fitness food food supplements foot pain foraging foxglove fruits gallbladder gardening gastric reflex glutenfree glycemic index glycosaminoglycans golden root gotu kola grain-free green curry green goddess dressing green tea guggul gut gut health headaches healing health healthy healthy food healthy lifestyle heart burn heart health herb herbal herbal medicine herbal remedies herbal remedy herbalremedies herbals herbs hibiscus high protein diet himalayan sea salt holistic holy basil homeopathy honey hormones horses hydration hydrotherapy immune system immunity inflammation influenza insomnia internal clock intravenous therapy itching redness iv nutrients iv therapy journal kefir kelp keto kidney kidneys kids l-theanine lavender lecithin legume lemon balm licorice lions mane lipids luck lyme lyme disease magnesium medicinal herb menopause mental health mentalization-based therapy methylation milk thistle mind body minerals mint molasses mold mold toxicity mood morel mud mushroom mushrooms natural health natural medicine natural sugar nature nausea nervous tension neuro therapy neurofeedback new year newsletter nhc best health tips no bake nutrient iv therapy nutrition oatmeal oats omega 3 fatty acids omega-3s oral health oral hygiene oregano organic osteoarthritis outdoor allergies ozone pain pain relief paleo pandemic passionflower peas peppermint persimmon pets phosphatidylcholine phytonutrients picnic food pineapple pink salt pizza plant based plant based diet plant-based plantain portobello mushrooms potassium prebiotic probiotic probiotics prosperity protein protein shake prunes quiche raspberry raspberry leaf read recipe recipes reclaim normalcy rehmannia relax resveratrol rhodiola rye sad sage salad salt screentime seasonal affective disorder seasonal allergies sedative self-awareness shadow journaling skin skin brushing skincare snack bars sole soothing sound therapy soup special edition spinach spirulina stinging nettle stomach pain sugar summer summer food sunshine vitamin superfood supplements sustainable sweet potato tcm tea teenagers tens unit therapy thyme tick tick prevention ticks tofu tostones toxins trace minerals traditional chinese medicine traditional medicine trail mix truffles turkey turmeric vegan vegetables vegetarian vitamin a vitamin c vitamin d vitamin e vitamins vs walnuts wellness whole food vs synthetic yeast