Discover the Relaxing Benefits of Passionflower

Passionflower

Botanical Name

Passiflora incarnata L.

Common Name

Passionflower, purple passionflower, maypop, wild apricot, wild passion vine, passionflower, apricot vine

Family

Passifloraceae

Parts Used

Root,flower,fruit

Native To

Europe,North America

Harvesting Guidelines

Leaves and Stem: Best harvested during the flowering stage when the plant is green and full of life.
Flowers: Should be harvested as they appear, typically during the peak of flowering.
Roots: Harvest in the fall, once the vines and leaves begin to wither.

Passionflower (Passiflora spp.) is a genus of about 500 species of climbing vines, widely known for their unique and striking flowers. Native to the Americas, passionflower has a long history of use for its calming effects, particularly in managing anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system-related conditions. It was used by indigenous people and later adopted by European herbalists. Passionflower's tranquilizing effects make it a valuable herb in both acute and chronic conditions, and it continues to be a key herb in modern herbalism.

Passionflower, particularly Passiflora incarnata, has a rich cultural history among various indigenous peoples of the Americas. In North America, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Shawnee have used passionflower for its calming and medicinal properties for centuries. The plant's therapeutic benefits were especially valued for its ability to treat nervous system disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and even as a remedy for various ailments related to the digestive and reproductive systems.

In indigenous cultures, many plants, including passionflower, are considered sacred and are used not only for physical ailments but also for spiritual healing. Some Native American groups, for example, view passionflower as a spiritual ally for emotional healing, helping to calm anxiety and create a peaceful environment for introspection and meditation. This aligns with the plant’s known effects on the nervous system and its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Medicinal Uses

Calming and Sedative Effects: Passionflower has been traditionally used to promote peaceful sleep and relaxation. It is known to enhance sleep quality and has been shown in clinical trials to be effective even in low doses. In one study, an infusion of passionflower improved sleep quality in individuals with mild fluctuations in sleep patterns (1). Its anxiolytic and sedative effects are ideal for managing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Nervous System Support: Passionflower affects the central nervous system, helping to alleviate symptoms related to stress and anxiety. The herb is useful in treating spasms, spasmodic pain, and conditions such as muscle twitchings, headaches, and some respiratory spasms (2). The Eclectics (19th-century American herbalists) particularly valued passionflower for its ability to address spasmodic conditions, making it useful in a range of medical complaints, including asthma and croup.
Drug Withdrawal and Addiction Support: Passionflower has been found to interact with benzodiazepine and opioid receptors, making it a useful adjunct in treating drug withdrawal symptoms. A recent study showed that passionflower extract was effective in reducing mental symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia during detoxification from opiates (4). This demonstrates its role in modern detox protocols, particularly for opioid addiction and withdrawal.
General Anxiolytic and Antispasmodic: Passionflower is particularly effective for individuals experiencing anxiety or stress-related disorders. It is also known to lower pulse rates, reduce blood pressure, and assist with acute anxiety states such as panic attacks. Historically, it was used to treat childhood convulsions, especially those caused by epilepsy or high fever (2).

Scientific Studies

Passionflower for Sleep: A small study published in Phytotherapy Research found that passionflower significantly improved sleep quality in individuals with mild to moderate sleep disturbances. Participants who consumed an infusion of passionflower experienced better sleep without the negative side effects commonly associated with synthetic sleep aids (1).
Passionflower in Addiction Treatment: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that passionflower extract was effective in alleviating symptoms of opiate withdrawal, such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. This study concluded that passionflower may be a beneficial adjuvant in opioid detoxification (4).
Anxiolytic and Antispasmodic Effects: In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, passionflower was found to reduce anxiety and improve mood by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Additionally, its antispasmodic effects were confirmed in various animal models, supporting its use in treating nervous spasms and tension (3).

Preparation and Dosage

Tea: 1.5g – 3.0g of dried passionflower per day. Steep ½ teaspoon of the dried herb in boiling water for 15 minutes. Consume ½ cup in the morning, evening, or before bed for insomnia.
Tincture: 2-4 mL of a 1:8 (25%) tincture, up to 3 times a day. Fresh plant 1:2 (50%) or dried plant 1:5 (50%) tincture, up to 4 times daily.

Safety

Passionflower is considered safe for most people when used appropriately. The FDA has classified it as a safe herb for medicinal use. However, it should be used with caution in combination with MAO inhibitors due to the presence of harman alkaloids, which can potentially cause negative interactions.
There were previously concerns about the herb's safety in children under four years of age, but current evidence suggests it is safe for use, though specific dosage should be followed.
Passionflower has no reported adverse effects on pregnant women or fetuses, and the American Herbal Products Association states it is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation (6).
Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or vomiting with high doses, but these are rare and typically occur in sensitive individuals.

Energetics

Calming
Cooling

Actions

Anodyne (pain-relieving)
Antispasmodic
Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
Hypnotic (promoting sleep)
Nervine (supporting the nervous system)
Sedative

References:

Ellingwood, F. (1919). The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Pharmacognosy. Retrieved from: http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/ellingwood/passiflora.html
Felter, H.W. & Lloyd, J.U. (1898). King’s American Dispensatory. Retrieved from: http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/passiflora.html
Wood, M. (2009). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Akhondzadeh, S., Kashani, L. Mobaseri, M., Hosseini, S.H., Nikzad, S., & Khani, M. (2001). Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 26(5), 369-373.
Bartram, T. (1988). Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. London, England: Robinson Publishing, Ltd.
Gagnon, D. (2000). Liquid Herbal Drops in Everyday Use (4th ed.). Santa Fe, NM: Botanical Research and Education Institute, Inc.

Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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