Passion Flower : Organic

Passion flower is a climbing vine renowned for its beautiful white flowers with purple, blue, or pink calyx crown blooms. The plant is native to North, Central, and South America. While primarily tropical, some of its 400 species can grow in colder climates. The mystery of such a beautiful blossom emerging from an unassuming bud has been compared to the Passion of Christ. This inspired the plant’s name, which dates back to the 17^th century. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

The historical use of passion flower is similar to its current use as a mild sedative. Medicinal use of the herb did not begin in the United States until the late 19th century. Passion flower was used for nervous restlessness and gastrointestinal spasms. In short, the effects of passion flower were believed to be primarily on the nervous system, particularly for anxiety due to mental worry and overwork.

For many years, botanists believed that alkaloids were the active constituents in passion flower. Recent studies, however, have pointed to the flavonoids in passion flower as the primary constituents responsible for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. European literature involving passion flower primarily recommends it for mild to moderate anxiety. In this context, it is often combined with valerian, lemon balm, and other herbs with sedative properties.