"Nature contains not only the remedy for our ills, but also the pleasure of curing them." - Hippocrates
Passionflower , Passiflora incarnata L. , is native to the tropical regions of South America. It has spectacular and unique flowers. The Aztecs first used it. Today, it is used to make food supplements that help with sleep disorders and anxiety . The leaves and dried flowers are used. In this article, you will discover all about the benefits of this medicinal plant . It helps reduce stress , mild anxiety and sleep disorders .
Main properties of passionflower
- Relaxing and calming properties on the central nervous system
- Anxiolytic and sedative effects to combat stress and mild anxiety
- Improved sleep quality through deep sleep and facilitation of falling asleep
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Traditional use in herbal medicine
What is passionflower?
Passionflower , or Passiflora incarnata , comes from Central America and Mexico . The Aztecs cultivated it for its known calming effects. In the 16th century, in Peru, missionaries nicknamed it the " Passion Flower ". They thus created the word Passionflower , coming from Latin. This designated the resemblance of the flower's organs to symbols of the Passion of Christ. Today, this plant is found in North America and Europe. It is harvested in summer for its benefits in natural medicine.
Composition of passionflower
Passionflower has many beneficial components. It contains flavonoids such as apigenin, which is very good for anxiety in order to regain serenity , and kaempferol , with antidepressant effect. Chrysin , schaftoside and many others have calming qualities.
This plant also has beneficial alkaloids, such as beta-carbolines, which are similar to tryptophan. Add to that antioxidants, muscle relaxants, anticoagulants and more.
Properties and benefits of passionflower
Passionflower is a plant known for its calming properties. This is due to its substances that act on the brain. It is used to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you sleep better, reduces hyperactivity and calms stomach pains.
It is also good for the heart, reducing strong heartbeats. In addition, it can soothe migraines and help with skin problems . In premenstrual syndrome , it decreases emotional sensitivity.
Relaxing and soothing action
Passionflower helps you sleep better in order to find a deep sleep . Its gentle and calming effect is perfect for those who have trouble falling asleep. In particular, it is useful with stress or evening agitation.
It blends well with other sleep- promoting herbs. These include hawthorn, poppy, lavender, and valerian.
There are alternatives for sleep, such as the wonderful and effective Chiric Sanango or our deep sleep kit .
Passionflower contains substances that reduce anxiety. They help soothe nervousness , rapid heartbeat, and stomach pain. They can also relieve migraines and nerve pain.
Sleep aid
Used for its calming effect, passionflower is ideal for sleeping. It is effective when stress prevents you from falling asleep. Mixed with other plants, it improves sleep .
These plants also provide relief during premenstrual syndrome .
Passionflower and anxiety
Passionflower is known for its help against anxiety and stress. It reduces the physical signs of these ailments. For example, it calms nervousness and incessant thoughts. It relaxes the nervous system, which allows for deep sleep when stressed or anxious.
Natural anxiolytic effect
Long used in herbal medicine , Passionflower relieves stress and anxiety disorders. This is thanks to components such as apigenin and kaempferol . These elements have calming effects on our nervous system.
Research has shown a positive effect on sleep and stress before and after surgery. Organizations such as the EMA and WHO recognize its usefulness in several cases. For example, for mild stress, sleep problems, or mental agitation.
Passionflower for restful sleep
Passionflower comes straight from the Amazon. It helps our central nervous system to calm down. This allows us to sleep well, without becoming dependent. In case of stress or if we have difficulty settling down, Passionflower is useful. It makes falling asleep easier and improves the quality of our sleep.
Promotes falling asleep
Passionflower has benefits for sleeping. It helps against waking up during the night. By calming our nervous system, it improves our sleep in order to find a deep sleep .
Improves sleep quality
Passionflower is perfect for sleep disorders , such as waking up. It helps our body sleep better. This makes our nights more restful.
How to consume passionflower?
Passionflower is taken as an infusion . Put 2 grams of dried leaves in 50 ml of water. Drink this infusion up to four times a day if you are stressed or anxious. Or if you have stress problems that affect your body. You can also make it in the morning to drink up to 600 ml per day. To sleep better, drink one to two cups in the evening and 30 minutes before going to bed.
Passionflower capsules and tablets
Passionflower can also be found in powder form, capsules or tablets . Take 0.5 to 2 g, one to four times a day.
Fluid extracts and syrups
Passionflower is also sold in fluid extracts to be diluted. Taking 2 ml, three times a day, is recommended. There are sugar-free syrups with Passionflower.
Precautions for use and contraindications
Do not take passionflower for more than 4 weeks. Be careful if you are taking other medications, as there may be interactions. Talk to a healthcare professional first, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if it is for a child.
Avoid passionflower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Passionflower should also be avoided by children. Some people have had problems after taking it, such as racing hearts, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. It may also react with other calming herbs or medications, such as some types of antidepressants and stress and sleep medications.
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Precautions for use and contraindications of passionflower |
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Maximum processing time: 4 weeks |
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Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children |
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Risk of drug interactions, particularly with sedative plants and antidepressants |
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Rare side effects: tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness |
The dangers of passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is often used as an herbal remedy for its calming and anxiolytic effects. However, it does have some potential dangers and side effects:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Drug interactions
- Gastrointestinal effects
- Allergic reactions
- Liver toxicity
For more detailed information, please see the article What are the dangers of passionflower?
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using passionflower, especially if you are taking other medications or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Scientific sources and references
This article is based on serious studies. It looks at publications from specialized journals such as Planta Medica and International Review of Phytotherapy . It also uses official reports from the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) and others. These documents are issued by the European Scientific Cooperation in Phytotherapy ( ESCOP ), respected organizations.
At the end of this text, you will find information on clinical trials and other essential works. They clearly show the benefits of passionflower against anxiety and insomnia.
For example, a research with 36 participants proved its effectiveness against anxiety. It is better than a usual psychiatric medication for anxiety. Another study with 65 people suffering from drug addiction shows a reduction in emotional disorders. This with the addition of passionflower to traditional treatments, compared to treatments alone.
In addition, the European Medicines Agency recognizes the effect of passionflower against stress and sleep problems. It approves its use for these cases. This recognition is shared by other experts such as the WHO and ESCOP, even in the United States via the NIH .
This evidence from science shows that passionflower is useful against stress and anxiety. It also helps with sleep disorders.
Conclusion
Passionflower is rich in molecules that are beneficial for health. It has relaxing properties . This makes it a good choice to combat stress , anxiety , and sleep problems.
It has long been used in herbal medicine . And studies confirm that it is effective and safe. Thus, passionflower can help you sleep better and manage everyday stress.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of passionflower?
Passionflower helps to calm thanks to its many properties . It is perfect for reducing stress , anxiety and sleep disorders . These effects make it very popular.
What is passionflower and where does it come from?
Passionflower, also known as "the passion flower ", grows in the tropical areas of South America. The Aztecs already used it. Now, it is key in herbal medicine.
What are the main components of passionflower?
It contains several very beneficial elements, including flavonoids , phenolic acids and coumarins . All these components offer relaxing effects and reduce anxiety.
How does passionflower affect the nervous system?
Passionflower acts directly on the nervous system. Thanks to its sedative qualities, it reduces stress and anxiety naturally.
How can passionflower help you sleep better?
It has hypnotic and sedative effects that improve the quality of sleep. Ideal for combating insomnia and stress, it offers a more restful sleep.
How to consume passionflower?
You can find it in various forms such as infusion , capsules or syrups . It is important to respect the indicated doses and limit its use to 4 weeks.
Are there any precautions to take with passionflower?
Even if it is well tolerated, a prior medical consultation is recommended. This is crucial to check for possible interactions, especially for pregnant women, children and those already taking medications.