Botanical Name
- Passiflora incarnata
Common Names
- Passionflower
- Maypop
- Wild Apricot
- Wild Passion Vine
Flavor
- Slightly Bitter
Herbal Energetics
- Cooling, Drying
Herbal Actions
- Anxiolytic: Reduces anxiety, tension, and nervousness, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Sedative: Induces sleep and improves sleep quality, making it effective for treating insomnia.
- Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscle spasms, cramps, and tension, particularly in the digestive and nervous systems.
- Nervine: Supports the nervous system, helping to ease stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
- Hypotensive: Helps to lower blood pressure, particularly in cases where hypertension is related to stress or anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the digestive and nervous systems.
Organ Affinities
- Nervous System: Passionflower is particularly supportive of the nervous system, helping to ease anxiety, tension, and insomnia.
- Cardiovascular System: It has a calming effect on the heart, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce heart palpitations.
- Digestive System: It supports the digestive system by reducing spasms, cramps, and inflammation.
Uses
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Used to reduce anxiety, nervous tension, and stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Sleep Aid: Effective for treating insomnia and improving sleep quality, particularly when sleep disturbances are related to anxiety or stress.
- Muscle Relaxation: Helps to ease muscle spasms, cramps, and tension, particularly in the digestive system.
- Blood Pressure Reduction: Helps to lower blood pressure, particularly in cases where hypertension is related to stress or anxiety.
- Pain Relief: Can be used to relieve pain, particularly when pain is related to tension, spasms, or inflammation.
Preparation and Dosage
- Tisane: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried passionflower per 1-2 cups of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 times daily, particularly in the evening, to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily, for anxiety, stress relief, or as a sleep aid.
- Topical Application: Passionflower-infused oils or creams can be applied topically to relieve muscle tension, spasms, and inflammation.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Passionflower should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its sedative effects may not be suitable for all individuals.
- Sedative Medications: Passionflower may enhance the effects of sedative medications, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants. Use with caution if taking these medications.
- Low Blood Pressure: Individuals with low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medications should use passionflower with caution, as it may further lower blood pressure.
Magical Properties
- Peace and Calm: Passionflower is associated with peace, calm, and tranquility, making it useful in rituals or spells aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil.
- Love and Harmony: It is used in love spells and rituals to promote harmony, understanding, and emotional connection in relationships.
- Protection: Passionflower can be used for protection, particularly in situations where emotional or mental well-being is at risk.
- Spiritual Growth: It is associated with spiritual growth and development, helping to open the mind and heart to higher wisdom and understanding.
- Planet: Venus - Passionflower is associated with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony, aligning with its calming, soothing, and emotionally balancing properties.
- Zodiac Sign: Libra - Aligns with Libra, a sign ruled by Venus, emphasizing balance, harmony, and emotional peace, reflecting passion flower’s calming and anxiety-relieving effects.