Passionflower

(Passiflora incarnata)

The benefits of Passion flower are

The most common medicinal uses are as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, pain relief, and anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxing).

• Traditionally, passion flower has been used for its sedative effect. Due to this effect it has been used as a herbal sleep aid and is considered a good herb to relieve anxiety.
• Historically, it was also used to treat gastrointestinal spasms.
• Passion flower has a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure) and also relieves tachycardia (fast heart rate.)
• The anti-spasmodic effect makes this herb useful in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD), seizures, and hysteria.
• This herb has also been used to treat nerve pain and shingles.
• Asthma, especially with a high level of spasmodic activity, responds well to passion flower use.
• It can be combined with valerian, hops, and Jamaican dogwood for an effective herbal insomnia treatment.
• Passion flower may also have a mild aphrodisiac effect.
• Research is being done on the effect of passion flower as a treatment in opiate withdrawal.
• Passion flower has been used to treat some of the symptoms accociated with ADHD/ADD.
• Chrysin, a flavonoid extracted from passion flower, is thought to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. As a result of this blocking action, it helps to raise free testosterone levels naturally. And when combined with an extract of black pepper called bioperine, Chrysin may help reduce estrogen levels and increase free testosterone levels in as little as one month.Chrysin is one of the best nutrients to help you relax and calm down. In fact, many European health practitioners recommend it as a safe, effective treatment for mild to moderate anxiety – including performance anxiety.