Passion Flower

Botanical Name:  Passiflora incarnata

Common Name:       

Parts Used:  Leaves and whole plant.

System Effected:  Heart, Liver

Properties:  Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive.

Used For: Passiflora has a depressant effect on C.N.S.activity and is hypotensive; they are used for their sedative and soothing properties, to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and for insomnia. Thealkaloids and flavonoids have both been reported to have sedative activity inanimals. Many of the flavonoids, such as apigenin, are well-known forpharmacological activity, particularly anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatoryactivities. It is the herb of choice for treating intransigent insomnia.It aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover.It may be used wherever an anti-spasmodic is required, e.g. in Parkinson'sdisease, seizures and hysteria. It can be very effective in nerve pain suchas neuralgia and the viral infection of nerves called shingles.It may be used in asthma where there is much spasmodic activity,especially when there is associated tension.