Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Botanical name: Passiflora incarnata

Other names: Passionflower, Maracuja, maypop, apricot vine, water lemon

Family: Passifloraceae

Parts used: leaves & stems

Main actions: Sedative, Pain relief, reduces anxiety, calms nerves, antispasmodic

All species of the Passiflora genus are evergreen climbing vines or bushes. They are almost all indigenous to the tropical rain forests of the Americas. There are over 200 species of Passionflower vines, the most prevalent species being P.incarnata and P.edulis. The flowers gave rise to the name Passionflower because Spanish missionaries thought they represented some of the objects associated with the crucification of Christ.

Passionflower has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon as a sedative and a pain killer. Herbalists around the world widely employ Passionflower for its sedative, nervine, anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. It is often used in cases of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, sleep disorders, headaches, migraines and general pain, for stomach problems and to relieve menstrual cramps and pre menstrual syndrome.

Passionflower is usually prepared as a tea (infusion), using 2.5g per cup. It can be also be placed in capsules.

Cautions: Lowers blood pressure.  Causes drowsiness. Not for pregnant and breast feeding women.  

Contraindications: None reported

References:

Rain tree Database - https://www.rain-tree.com/maracuja.htm

Ratsch, C. 2005. Encyclopedia of Psychoactive plants