"Passionflower: Nature's Remedy for Sleep and Serenity"

Every herbalist has a plant with which they have developed a connection. One of mine is Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Although I learned about this plant some time ago, I have recently built a deeper connection with it personally and for clinical consideration. 

When hearing the word “passionflower,” your first impression may be that it has an affinity for love and passion, but not in the way you would think. The flower got its name from Spanish missionaries in reference to the passion of Jesus Christ. The plant has an affinity with the heart, both physically and spiritually, for the latter is the passion in connection with our hearts in relation to the Divine. Both the physical and spiritual considerations are mentioned below.  

Passionflower is native to the southeast of the US and, with its viney structure, may be considered invasive by some. However, its beautiful flowers make it hard to believe it is invasive, and the clinical benefits are significant. You may have seen this flower if you live in this part of the US, as its beauty really stands out, almost resembling a crown. But it's not so much the flowers that contain the constituents responsible for its remedying. It is rather the stems and leaves, primarily. 

So, What are some Medicinal uses for Passionflower? 

Passionflower is considered a nervine, calming herbs that provide mild relaxation without the side effects of many pharmaceutical “relaxants.” In addition to providing a calming effect for better sleep, nervines are helpful when there is anxiety and irritability present. Passionflower can indeed offer assistance in these areas, as well as support the cardiovascular system. In this article, I discuss the uses in relationship to sleep and anxiety, the most common uses, but listed below are Passionflower’s clinical uses: 

Anxiety

Insomnia

ADHD

Palpitations

Arrhythmias

Hypertension

Seizures

Opiate Withdrawl Treatment

Low Libido

Nerve Pain

Migraines

Muscle Spasm Relief

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Passion for Sleep

This herb is fantastic for insomnia, as it doesn't leave one feeling drugged and groggy as a side effect. When someone has circulating thoughts that keep them awake, passionflower is the “go-to” herb. This makes sense, considering that it is an effective herb for anxiety and irritability. In addition, it is used when someone is cranky and even overstimulated due to lack of sleep. In the case of hyperactivity or “the second wind,” Passionflower will help the person who cannot fall asleep but is exhausted. Passionflower has been extremely helpful for the perimenopausal woman, where insomnia is a common complaint. I like to see passionflower combined with lemon balm for these people.

In one study, passionflower had the highest content of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, compared to 21 other plants. Studies have concluded that Passionflower can be as effective as pharmaceutical sleep aides without the common “groggy” side effects that one may carry over into the next morning. Even other popular herbs that promote sleep, such as valerian, may leave one feeling less than energized upon waking, whereas passionflower may not. 

Calming the Anxious Mind

Passionflower can really shine as an anti-anxiety herb. Studies have provided positive evidence of its effectiveness. It has even been found to be as effective as oxazepam and midazolam, common anxiolytics. Furthermore, passionflower has no adverse effects, such as memory loss and other side effects. Benzodiazepines are one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications, but they come with a menu of unpleasant side effects. Studies have shown that flavonoids and alkaloids may be the chemical constituents responsible for passionflower's anti-anxiety effects, making it a practical yet safer alternative. 

Spiritual History of Passionflower

As I mentioned, the flower got its name from Spanish missionaries, who learned how to use the plant for its sedative and calming effects from the Aztecs. They named the plant “Passionflower,” in reference to the passion of Jesus Christ due to the appearance of the flower: the crown of thorns symbolized by the coronal threads, the cords of the whips symbolized by the curling tendrils, the wounds by the five stamens, the three stigmas represent the nails on the cross, the hammer by the ovary, and the ten apostles by the five sepals and five petals. The flower’s essence helps us find our passion for life while connecting our hearts to the Divine heart (Shane, 2021). 

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has long been used in European traditional medicine, prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and even seizure disorders. Research suggests that GABA receptor involvement and flavanoid and alkaloid content are responsible for the mechanisms. 

In conclusion, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) stands out not only for its striking beauty and rich historical significance but also for its remarkable medicinal properties. This versatile herb offers a natural alternative for managing anxiety, insomnia, and various other ailments, providing relief without the undesirable side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals. Its deep connection to the heart, both physically and spiritually, enriches its role in herbal medicine, symbolizing a bridge between human wellness and divine passion. By integrating Passionflower into modern herbal practices, we can continue to honor its historical roots while benefiting from its profound therapeutic potential, fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Are you not sure if Passionflower is the right herbal remedy for you? Book a call with us here. We look forward to hearing from you. 




References

Janda, K., Wojtkowska, K., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., & Skonieczna-Żydecka, K. (2020). Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders—A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 12(12), 3894. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123894

da Fonseca LR, Rodrigues RA, Ramos AS, da Cruz JD, Ferreira JLP, Silva JRA, Amaral ACF. Herbal Medicinal Products from Passiflora for Anxiety: An Unexploited Potential. ScientificWorldJournal. 2020 Jul 20;2020:6598434. doi: 10.1155/2020/6598434. PMID: 32765195; PMCID: PMC7387951.

Taslaman, M. & Endeavour College of Natural Health. (2014). The efficacy and safety of herbal medicine for insomnia in adults: an overview of recent research. In Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine (Vol. 26, Issue 3, pp. 86–87). https://sleepdrops.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Herbal-medcines-for-insomnia-review-Copy.pdf

Tyler, V.E. 1987. The New Honest Herbal. Philadelphia: G.F. Stickley Co.

Shane, C. (2021). Southeast Medicinal plants: Identify, Harvest, and Use 106 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness. Hachette UK.