PASSIONFLOWER (passiflora incarnata)
What is Passionflower?
Other names :
Maypops, passion vine.
Description and the places it grows in :
Perennial vine that is native to Southern United States, Bermuda. It has white flowers with pink and purple calyx.
Parts used :
Dried leaves, harvested before flowering.
Properties : Antispasmodic.
Used for :
- Sedative - it is non-addictive and helps greatly with anxiety and tension bringing about a tranquil feeling due to alkaloids and flavonoids.
- Asthma - antispasmodic it relaxes the muscles and if the asthma is anxiety induced, it helps to calm the person down too.
Other uses :
Neuralgia and shingles.
Constituents :
Alkaloids, flavonoids, harmane, harmaline, harmol and harmalol, gum, steroids and sugars.
Contraindications :
Do not mix with antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It has not been proven safe to take when pregnant.