"Nature contains not only the remedy for our ills, but also the pleasure of curing them." - Hippocrates
Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata Lis native to the tropical regions of South America. It has spectacular, unique flowers. It was first used by the Aztecs. Today, it is used to make dietary supplements to help with sleep disorders andanxiety. The dried leaves and flowers are used. In this article, you'll find out all about the benefits of this medicinal plant. It helps reduce stress,mild anxiety and sleep disorders.
Main properties of passionflower
- Relaxing and soothing properties for the central nervous system
- Antianxiety and sedative effects to combat stress andmild anxiety
- Improved sleep quality through deep sleep and easierfalling asleep
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidantproperties
- Traditional use in phytotherapy
What is passionflower?
Passion flower, or Passiflora incarnata, comes from Central America and Mexico. The Aztecs cultivated it for its known soothing effects. In 16th-century Peru, missionaries dubbed it the " Flower of Passion ". They thus coined the word Passion flower, coming from Latin. It refers to the resemblance of the flower's organs to symbols of Christ's Passion. 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, very good for anxiety to restore serenity, and kaempferol, with an antidepressant effect. Chrysin, schaftoside and many others have calming qualities.
This plant also has beneficial alkaloids, such as the tryptophan-like beta-carbolines. 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 thanks to its substances, which act on the brain. It is used to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you sleep better, reduces hyperactivity and calms stomach pains.
It's also good for the heart, reducing pounding. It can also soothe migraines and help with skin problems. In premenstrual syndrome, it reduces emotional sensitivity.
Relaxing and soothing action
Passionflower helps you sleep more soundly. Its gentle, calming effect is perfect for those who have trouble falling asleep. In particular, it is useful when stressed or agitated in the evening.
It mixes well with other sleep-inducing 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 nervous pains.
Sleep aid
Used for its calming effect, passionflower is ideal for sleep. It is effective when stress prevents you from falling asleep. Mixed with other plants, it improves sleep.
These plants also soothe premenstrual syndrome.
Passionflower and anxiety
Passionflower is known to help relieve anxiety and stress. It reduces the physical signs of these ailments. For example, it calms nervousness and incessant thoughts. It relaxes the nervous system, enabling deep sleep when stressed or anxious.
Natural anxiolytic effect
Long used in phytotherapy, Passionflower relieves stress and anxiety disorders. This is thanks to components such as apigenin and kaempferol. These elements have a calming effect 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 many 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 enables us to sleep well, without becoming dependent. If you're stressed or have trouble settling down, Passionflower is useful. It makes it easier to fall asleep and improves sleep quality.
Helps you fall asleep
Passionflower has many benefits for sleep. It helps prevent night-time awakenings. By calming our nervous system, it improves our sleep so that we can return to a deep sleep.
Improves sleep quality
Passionflower is perfect for sleep disorders such as waking. It helps our bodies sleep better. It makes our nights more restful.
How to use passionflower
Passionflower is taken as an infusion. Add 2 grams of dried leaves to 50 ml of water. Drink this infusion up to four times a day if you're stressed or anxious. Or if you have stress-related problems that affect your body. You can also make it in the morning and drink up to 600 ml a day. For better sleep, drink one to two cups in the evening, 30 minutes before bedtime.
Passionflower capsules and tablets
Passionflower is also available in powder form, in capsules or tablets. Take 0.5 to 2 g, one to four times a day.
Fluid extracts and syrups
Passionflower is also available in fluid extracts for dilution. Take 2 ml three times a day. Passionflower sugar-free syrups are also available.
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 your health care professional first, especially if you're pregnant, breast-feeding or taking it for a child.
Avoid passionflower if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Passionflower should also be avoided by children. Some people have experienced problems after taking it, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. It may also react with other calming herbs or medications, such as certain types of antidepressants and stress and sleeping pills.
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Precautions for use and contraindications of passionflower |
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Maximum treatment duration: 4 weeks |
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Not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding or for children. |
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Risk of drug interactions, especially with sedative herbs 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 present certain dangers and potential side effects:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Drug interactions
- Gastrointestinal effects
- Allergic reactions
- Liver toxicity
For more detailed information, see What are the dangers of passionflower?
It's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using passionflower, especially if you're taking other medications or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Sources and scientific references
This article is based on serious studies. It looks at publications from specialist journals such as Planta Medica and Revue internationale de phytothérapie. Official reports from the European Medicines Agency(EMA) and others are also used. These documents are issued by the respected European Scientific Cooperation on Phytotherapy(ESCOP).
At the end of this text, you'll find information on clinical trials and other essential studies. They clearly show the benefits of passionflower against anxiety and insomnia.
For example, a study involving 36 participants proved its effectiveness against anxiety. It is better than the usual psychiatric medication for anxiety. Another study with 65 people suffering from drug addiction showed a reduction in emotional disorders. This was achieved by adding passionflower to traditional treatments, compared with treatments alone.
What's more, the European Medicines Agency recognizes the effect of passionflower against stress and sleep problems. It approves its use for these conditions. This recognition is shared by other experts such as the WHO and ESCOP, as well as the NIH in the United States.
This scientific evidence shows that passionflower is useful against stress and anxiety. It also helps with sleep disorders.
Conclusion
Passionflower is rich in health-promoting molecules. It has relaxing properties. This makes it a good choice for combating stressanxiety and sleep problems.
It has long been used in phytotherapy. And studies confirm that it is effective and safe. Passionflower can help you sleep better and deal with everyday stress.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of passionflower?
Passionflower has many calming 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?
Passion flower grows in tropical South America. It was already used by the Aztecs. Now it's a key ingredient in herbal medicine.
What are the main components of passionflower?
It contains several highly 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 naturally reduces stress and anxiety.
How can passionflower help you sleep better?
It has hypnotic and sedative effects that improve sleep quality. Ideal for combating insomnia and stress, it provides a more restful sleep.
How to use passionflower
You can find it in various forms, such as infusions, capsules or syrups. It is important to respect the indicated doses and to limit its use to 4 weeks.
Are there any precautions to take with passionflower?
Even if it is well tolerated, prior medical consultation is advisable. This is crucial to check for possible interactions, especially for pregnant women, children and those already taking medication.
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