The passion flower herb is a popular medicinal plant for insomnia and is said to relieve inner restlessness. Here you can find out how the medicinal herb works and how you can use it.
A versatile effect is attributed to the tropical passion flower herb. Among other things, it is said to make it easier to fall asleep and alleviate nervous restlessness. Not only botanists and hobby gardeners appreciate the magnificent flower, but according to the Deutsche Apothekerzeitung (DAZ) it is also increasingly finding its way into medicine after studies in the 1990s.
The medicinal plant is usually used in combination with other plant extracts. You can already find passion flower herb in dry extracts, in liquid form or as a tea additive. Here you can find out how the herb works and what you should consider when using it.
Worth knowing about the passion flower
The passion flower herb is the aerial, herbaceous part (i.e. everything except the root) of the passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). The passion flower is originally native to subtropical rain forests. It occurs in Central, North and South America, as well as in some parts of Oceania and Asia.
According to the DAZ, more than 500 types of passion flowers are known. Botanists value the extraordinary flowers above all as collectibles. In addition, the passion flower is a popular ornamental plant for the home and garden.
The impressive flower is characterized by its striking structure. This will be as Symbol of the passion of Christ viewed. This interpretation gave the plant its name.
The berries of some species are edible. You can eat them as fruit or squeeze them into juice. the passion fruit (Maracuja) is the most commonly consumed fruit of the passion flower.
Pharmacology uses the herbaceous part – i.e. the passion flower herb – as medicine.
effect and ingredients
According to the DAZ, passion flower herb is used as a medicinal plant nervous restlessness and sleep disorders deployed.
According to the Apotheken-Umschau, passion flower herb works
- calming,
- anti-anxiety,
- sleep-promoting,
- tension relieving
- and it should irritability to decrease.
Researchers attribute the effect to the following ingredients:
- flavonoids
- sugars
- essential oils
In addition to the nerve-calming effect, Netdoktor’s My Life mentions that passion flower herb has a slightly antispasmodic and blood pressure-lowering effect. In addition, passion flower herb is said to help with nervous heart problems.
The DAZ explains that several clinical studies on the effect of passion flower herb have been able to prove its calming properties. However, it is still unclear which components of the plant cause the healing effect. According to the Apothekenumschau, scientists suspect that the passion flower triggers an interaction with messenger substances in the brain and thus activates the mechanism of action.
Application of passion flower herb
You can use passion flower herb in the form of tea, among other things. The Passion Flower Herb Tea you can easily prepare it yourself. Proceed as follows:
- Pour 150 milliliters of hot water into 1 teaspoon of passion flower herb (2 to 4 grams).
- Let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain it through a sieve.
- Drink the tea three times a day. For a good night’s sleep, you should drink the tea about half an hour before bedtime.
You can also use passion flower herb in combination with others medicinal plants use. Mix herbs with a similar effect together for a particularly calming blend. For example, a calming tea with passion flower herb is suitable valerian, hop tea, Johannis herbs or lavender tea.
Tip: Choose herbs that you like. Then you like to drink the tea and a little more of it. This supports the healing effect.
In addition to various tea blends, you will find passion flower herb, according to the DAZ, primarily as an extract preparation (tablets) or liquid as drops. You can buy these preparations in a drugstore, health food store or pharmacy.
You should take this into account when taking it
In general, taking passionflower herb is considered safe and harmless according to My Life. Still, you should Observe notesbefore using passionflower herb:
- Pregnant women should be careful with the intake because according to My Life the herb potentially induce labor can.
- Passion flower herb has a calming and sleep-inducing effect. This can affect attention. My Life therefore also advises against driving after taking passion flower herb. You should do the same with others natural sleep aids keep.
- If you are taking other medications, discuss the use of passion flower herb with your doctor beforehand.
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