Health Benefits of Passionflower

Health Benefits of Passionflower (maypop, apricot vine, passion vine)

Passionflower, also known as passiflora incarnata, is a climbing vine native to southeastern United States and Central and South America. 16th century Spanish explorers learned about passionflower and brought it back to Europe where it was cultivated and introduced to European folk medicine.

Traditionally, native people of the Americas used passionflower for many centuries to heal bruises, cuts and also as a sedative.

Passionflower has anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure and antioxidant properties.

Passionflower may help treat anxiety and insomnia. Passionflower boosts the level of gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA is a compound that lowers brain activity to help you sleep better and relax.

Studies have shown that participants who drank passionflower herbal tea daily for 7 days showed that their quality of sleep had improved.

Passionflower may also help improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Passionflower may also treat menopause symptoms including insomnia, depression, hot flashes, anger and headaches. The increase of GABA helps decrease the activity of depression inducing brain cells.

Passionflower may also lower blood pressure levels.

Passionflower may also decrease insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Passionflower may have side effects including, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

Passionflower may interact with certain medications.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/passionflower

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/passionflower

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/calming-effects-of-passionflower

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/passionflower

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323795