Not only the fruits of the passion flower are edible, the herb can also be used as a medicine. We show how to use it and how it works.
The passion flower herb (Passiflora) has long been known in medicine. The early American immigrants used the dried herb of the passion flower for ailments. Some Native Americans, on the other hand, primarily used the roots of the plant. However, little is known about this application, as only the herb is used today.
Passion Flower Herb
Passiflorae herb ('Passiflorae herba' or 'Herba passiflorae') is the dried herb of the flesh-colored passion flower ( Passiflora incarnata). This herb can be used to relieve various ailments. It is available as an herb, tea, tincture, as well as tablets and preparations, and is mainly cultivated in the USA, India and partly in southern Europe. In contrast to the herb of other passion flower species, the leaves of the flesh-colored passion flower contain only a low concentration of cyanogenic glycosides and are therefore harmless. Excessively high concentrations of the so-called hydrocyanic acid glycosides, which are found in many other passion flower species, can lead to dizziness, headaches and vomiting.
Passion flower herb: use as a remedy
In principle, the passion flower herb is very well tolerated. There are various ways of using the passion flower herb. Pharmacies often offer extracts, tinctures, tablets, preparations or even ointments. But the passion flower herb can also be used medicinally as a tea.
Passion Flower Herb Tea
Pour boiling water over a teaspoon of fine, dried passion flower herb and let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drink about two to three cups throughout the day.
Note: Note, however, that medicinal plants should generally never be used continuously for a longer period of time than six weeks in order to avoid undesirable long-term effects on the body. So far, however, no undesirable side effects have been reported.
Effects of the passion flower herb
Passion flower herb has a calming effect and lowers blood pressure and is primarily used to treat problems falling asleep, anxiety and nervousness. Active ingredients of the passion flower herb are mainly flavonoids. These flavonoids are found in the dried herb at levels of 1 to 2.5%. However, it has not yet been possible to clearly determine which ingredient is the exact active ingredient. The effect of the herb has not yet been sufficiently scientifically proven. While animal studies indicate efficacy, proper human studies have not yet been conducted.
But not only the passion flower herb has a healing effect. The fruit of the plant is also extremely he althy. You can find out more about passion fruit here.