Passiflora incarnata or passionflower as we commonly know it, is a perennial vine with white, purple-tinged flowers and orange berries that can grow up to 30 ft in height.

While the plant grows in a variety of different places including Mexico and Central and South America, it is places like the southern United States, India, and the West Indies where it is primarily obtained from. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are the only parts used medicinally.

In the United Stated & Europe, passionflower is mainly used as an alternative treatment for the relief of anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Many experts have recommended it to relieve nausea that is causes by nervousness or anxiety.

According to a double-blind study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics in 2001, passionflower liquid extract was just as effective in reducing anxiety symptoms as a popular anti-anxiety drug but with less side effects.

The study consisted of 32 people suffering from general anxiety disorder. Each were treated daily with either 45 drops of passionflower liquid extract or 30 mg of oxazepam, the popular anti-anxiety drug. After four weeks, both groups showed a significant reduction in their anxiety symptoms. However, none of the people taking passionflower reported severely impaired job performance, while 44 percent of the patients taking the drug did.

It seems the method in which the herb works involves depressing the central nervous system and preventing muscle spasms.

Often times passionflower is combined and used synergistically with other sedative plants. Some of which include valerian & lemon balm. Combinations such as these are common in Germany.

For decades, many herbalists have recommended passionflower as an alternative treatment for a number of different conditions including asthma, epilepsy, diarrhea, seizures, painful menstruation, whooping cough and hemorrhoids (when used externally). It also helps lower blood pressure.

Based on the premise that the harmine and harmaline in the herb may help to counteract the effects of the disorder, some herbalists also recommend passionflower as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

The leaves of passionflower can be used to make an infusion or tea or you can find the herb in capsule form at your local health food store.

* Important notes: Passionflower can intensify the effects of sedative medications. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using passionflower or any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.