Passionflower

Scientific Name : Passiflora Incarnata

Probably the most alien-looking flower I’ve seen on any plant, the passionflower proves to be such a unique and beneficial ally. For herbal use, the flowering tops and the leaves are used to make a collection of remedies and medicines. The most common action it has on the body is a sedative effect on the nervous system, making it much easier to relax after a long day.

Plant Properties of Passionflower include:

Sedative - Slows down the feedback of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is the connection between your brain and spinal cord that regulates the influx of information and stimulus.

Antispasmodic - Helps relieve symptoms of spasms in the stomach, bladder, and intestines.

Hypnotic - Will improve the conditions to get to sleep and the quality of restful sleep.

Hypotensive - Decreases systemic blood pressure in the body.

Vasodilator - Dialates or opens the blood vessels wider to allow blood to flow easier throughout the body.

Cardiotonic - Improves the strength of the heart muscle in pumping blood.

Bitter - A herb classified as bitter is known to help with gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and indigestion. In addition, it supports the liver and is known to relieve symptoms of nausea and heartburn.

Diuretic - Pulls more salt and water from the body into the urinary tract to be released.

Anti-Depressant - Has Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (M.A.O.I) which prevent neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine from being released from the brain.

Anxiolytic - Calming effect on anxiety

Analgesic - Has a pain-relieving effect.

Passionflower can be taken in a few different forms. I personally like it best in tincture form because it’s easy, quick and you can take it on the go. I also enjoy it as a Tisane or tea a few hours before going to bed. After 45min I will start to feel the drowsy effects come on before eventually calling it a night. In the video below I go into a bit more detail on the properties of Passionflower and show you these 2 options on taking it.