Passionflower


Native to South America, Spanish explorers discovered Passionflower in Peru in 1569. According to popular folklore, the flower got its name from the resemblance of its corona to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion. Passiflora incarnata is one of the hardiest species of the passionflower family and it is a common wildflower in the southern United States.

 

 

Botanical name: Passiflora incarnata

Common name: Passionflower, Maypop, purple passionflower, Wild
apricot, Wild passion vine

Part used: Herb

Passionflower was traditionally used in the Americas and subsequently throughout Europe as a popular herbal remedy for the treatment of nervous anxiety, stress and insomnia. It is revered by medical herbalists and an excellent nervous system tonic and used for a variety of conditions including tension headaches and irritability.

Found in

Frequently asked questions

What is passionflower good for?

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a calming herb traditionally used to ease stress, anxiety, nervous tension and restlessness, and to support restful sleep. Native to the south-eastern United States, it was used by Native Americans long before it found its way into European herbal medicine. Passionflower is especially valued for calming an overactive, busy mind, and combines well with other relaxing herbs like valerian, skullcap and hops.

Does passionflower help with anxiety?


Passionflower is one of the most popular herbs for supporting feelings of calm during stress and mild anxiety. It’s thought to work by supporting the activity of GABA, a natural messenger in the brain that helps the nervous system relax. Some clinical studies have found passionflower may help ease anxiety, including before medical and dental procedures. If anxiety is ongoing or affecting your daily life, talk to your healthcare professional.

Can passionflower help you sleep?


Yes, passionflower is traditionally used to support restful sleep, particularly when racing thoughts or nervous tension make it hard to switch off at night. Some research suggests that passionflower may help improve sleep quality. For sleep support, it’s often taken in the evening as a tea or liquid extract, and is commonly paired with valerian, hops or skullcap.

Is passionflower the same plant as passionfruit?


They’re close relatives but not the same. The passionfruit we grow and eat in New Zealand comes mainly from Passiflora edulis, while the medicinal herb comes from Passiflora incarnata, which uses the leaves, stems and flowers rather than the fruit. The name “passion” comes from Spanish missionaries in the 1500s, who saw symbols of the Passion of Christ in the flower’s intricate structure, such as the crown of thorns in its fringed corona.

Are there any side effects of passionflower?


Passionflower is generally well tolerated when taken as directed, though it may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people, so avoid driving or operating machinery if affected and don’t combine it with alcohol. Passionflower is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare professional before use if you take sedatives, sleep medication, anti-anxiety medication or other prescription medicines, or are scheduled for surgery, and check the label’s age guidance before giving it to children.