Passionflower

Passionflower  Passiflora incarnata Family Passifloraceae (passionflower) Part Aerial parts Energetics Sweet, sour, cool Actions Nervine, sedative, antispasmodic, anodyne Organs/Systems Nerves, heart Description Passionflower is native to the tropic and semi-tropic regions of the Americas. The indigenous people in its habitat used the flower and leaves as a mild sedative for restlessness, anxiety, nervous stomach, high blood pressure, and symptoms of menopause. The root was sometimes used as a poultice for inflammatory conditions such as boils, cuts, and earaches. Passionflower is an important remedy for excessive nerve activity, and can be used to successfully treat conditions such as overthinking, mild insomnia, anxiety, spasms, and cramps. Modern research shows this herb modulates the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which our body uses to inhibit excessive neuronal excitation. Its effect in quieting unnecessary mental chatter can be useful to induce sleep, but also during the