Passiflora, a plant allied to those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. The common purple variant (passionflower incarnata), according to some studies, it would be an excellent natural remedy capable of reducing anxiety in just 30 minutes. Anxiety and insomnia are typical disorders of our times that affect people of all sexes, ages and social positions across the board. Various plants help keep the problem under control, including passion flower.
It is a common wildflower of which there are over 500 known species, including the purple variant (passionflower incarnata also known as maypop) particularly useful for those suffering from disorders related to the nervous system or stress that leads to insomnia. This species was already known at the time of the Native Americans who used it to treat various health problems: from wounds to earaches, from liver problems to states of agitation and much more.
When talking about passionflower with beneficial effects on the nervous system, it is important to specify that the reference species is Passiflora incarnata. There are over 500 species of passionflower, many of which are grown exclusively for ornamental purposes and do not possess the same relaxing properties. Making this distinction is essential to avoid confusion and to prevent therapeutic effects from being attributed to plants which, despite being beautiful, have no significant action on anxiety or insomnia.
According to the most recent research, purple passionflower is able to act on both chronic and acute anxiety.
Why does purple passionflower reduce anxiety?
Some studies have concluded that purple passionflower can help calm the mind, as it is able to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in people’s brains. GABA is a compound that reduces brain activity, which is positive as it promotes relaxation. And the amazing thing is that the calming effects of purple passionflower are evident in just 30 minutes.
A study highlighted the success of this plant in reducing anxiety even in patients who were about to undergo surgery. After half an hour, the people given purple passionflower were significantly less anxious than those given a placebo.
Another research, however, analyzed the effects of this natural remedy on patients with generalized anxiety disorder. At the end of the experiment, the researchers concluded that purple passionflower was as effective as oxazepam (a psychotropic drug prescribed in some cases to those suffering from anxiety) with the enormous advantage that it did not present any of the drug’s side effects. The latter took effect more quickly but on the other hand caused some unwanted drowsiness during the day. In contrast, patients given purple passionflower did not experience any feelings of lightheadedness or reduced muscle function.
Scientific studies on passionflower show very encouraging results, but it is fair to point out that these are still studies conducted on relatively small samples. This does not detract from the data that has emerged, but helps to frame passionflower for what it really is: not a “miracle cure”, but rather a valid natural support for alleviating anxiety and insomnia, especially in mild or moderate cases.
How to use purple passionflower against anxiety and insomnia
If you want to experience the relaxing benefits of purple passionflower in order to relieve anxiety, insomnia or nervous states, you can choose to use it in different ways:
- Herbal tea: herbalists and food and natural health shops have loose passionflower herbal teas made with the dried plant. The preparation is very simple, just pour 4 to 8 grams of dried herb per day into boiling water, leaving it to infuse for a few minutes before filtering and drinking. If you have to fight insomnia it is recommended to take it in the late afternoon or after dinner.
- Liquid extract: 10 to 30 drops of passion flower are useful to take 1 to 3 times a day (ask a herbalist for advice on the dosage best suited to your needs).
- Supplement: there are passionflower supplements in capsules or tablets to be taken under the advice of a specialist.
- Purple passionflower bath: purple passionflower infusion can also be used to prepare a relaxing bath. Pour two or three cups into the bathtub together with plenty of hot water and immerse yourself for at least 20 minutes.
Contraindications
It should also be remembered that passionflower is an active plant and, as such, is not without contraindications. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding and must be used with caution by those taking anxiolytics, antidepressants, sedatives or sleeping pills, because it can enhance the effect. Even those suffering from very low blood pressure should avoid it.
Other natural remedies for anxiety
Passionflower is certainly not the only remedy capable of dealing with anxiety, you can learn more about other natural relaxing and beneficial solutions for the nervous system including:
Have you already experienced the benefits of passionflower? If you are interested in discovering some “goodies” linked to the history of this beautiful flower rich in properties, also read the legend of the passionflower and its spiritual meaning.
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