A climbing plant, passionflower grows in the tropics of South America, in ditches, on wet and fertile soils.and even on the edge of the fields. Much coveted by gardeners and one of the favorite plants of botanical conservators, passionflower exists in various species, more than four hundred of which are listed in the world.
passionflower exists in various species, more than four hundred of which are listed in the world.
In this article, we will focus on the ” Passiflora incarnata”: this species has its origins from the United States and is distinguished from others by the fact that in winter it resists the cold although it has lost its leaves.
this plant with multiple names could inhibit the activity of certain brain enzymes.
But, what are its virtues and health benefits? How to use it wisely? Do you know that the agro-food industry and medicine have found an interest in it?
Passionflower: virtues and health benefits
Various names are attributed to the passion: passion fruit,passion flower or, maracuya , this fabulous plant has the ability to fight anxiety and sleep disorders.
This is because various compounds in passionflower have the same effect as GABA (a soothing neurotransmitter) on affected areas of the brain. From there, the passionflower can calm the nervous system, triggering relaxation for a peaceful sleep.
Containing various flavonoids (which are well-known antioxidants and concentrated in the leaves ), passionflower may also have anxiolytic effects.
Use of passionflower
In herbal medicine, it is the aerial parts of the species “Passiflora incarnata” which are exploited for their sedative and anxiolytic effect.
In gastronomy , it is the fruit of “Passiflora edulis” (or grenadilla) which is greatly appreciated for its tangy flavor. It is used in the preparation of coulis, exotic fruit juices or even sorbets .
Therapeutic benefits of passionflower
– for poultices, Native Americans used the leaves of passion to heal bruises and wounds.
– fruit juice, the Amerindians used it to relieve eye pain. Even more, they crushed the leaves of the “maracuya” and used it to relieve rashes, burns, and even treat hemorrhoids.
Indeed, passionflower is often indicated in cases where the patient suffers from neurasthenia, insomnia, cerebral excitement, and even, manifests symptoms of nervous conditions including hysteria, anxiety, and palpitations.
Antispasmodic, the passionflower is also used to treat menopausal disorders, neuralgia, epilepsy, and even spasmodic asthma. It has recently been discovered to have cough suppressant properties which would certify its traditional use for relieving asthma.
Uses, dosages, instructions for use of passionflower
To overcome anxiety and insomnia, it is recommended to take passionflower in the form of:
– Infusion: For the preparation, bring 1/2 l of water to a boil. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of herbal
Dried passionflower (without roots). Let it boil for about 10 minutes. Filter. As for the dosage, to benefit from its anxiolytic and soothing effects, 1 intake 3 times a day before bedtime is indicated.
According to other recommendations, to properly prepare an anti-stress infusion, take 1/4 glass of lavender buds, add 1 glass of dried chamomile mustard, 1/4 of a glass of dried lemon verbena, 1/4 of a glass of rosehips (the rosehips), and 1/4 glass passionflower dried. Mix everything. Then add 1 tablespoon of this mixture per cup of herbal tea . Pour boiling water over it and let sit for five minutes. Filter, sugar than drink.
– Tincture: often associated with lemon balm or hops, it is advisable to take 1 to 2 ml, 1 to 3 times a day.
– Tablets and capsules, 1 to 2 doses of 350 mg to be taken, 1 to 2 times a day is recommended.
Virtues and benefits of passionflower
Passionflower or its derivatives are known to calm the nervous system, they are used a lot nowadays as hypnotics and sedatives. Passionflower is recommended in cases of insomnia due to alcohol intoxication, menopause, nervous excitement, or neurasthenia. In worried or overworked people, passionflower reduces anxiety.
- Period pains and headaches are well relieved by passionflower. Its antispasmodic properties are also recognized in cases of asthma, hypertension, palpitations, or muscle cramps.
Practical advice about passionflower
Passionflower would be useful to treat:
– decreased libido, azoospermia, or infertility to which smokers and alcohol users are often subject,
– extreme anxiety due to withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, or even cannabis.
The consumption of this plant is strongly discouraged for pregnant women.
In any event, it is always recommended to have the advice of your doctor or a specialist (pharmacist or herbalist) before opting for treatment based plants.
