Passion flower herb: application & effect

Not only the fruits of the passion flower are edible, their herb can also be used as a remedy. We show how to use it and how it works.

The herb of passion flower (passiflora) has long been known in medicine. The early American immigrants used the dried herb of the passion flower for ailments. Some Native Americans, on the other hand, primarily used the roots of the plant. So far, however, little is known about this application, since nowadays only the herb is used.

Passion flower herb

Passion flower herb (‘Passiflorae herba' or 'Herba passiflorae') is the dried herb of the flesh-colored passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). This herb can be used to relieve various ailments. It is available as an herb, tea, tincture, as well as tablets and preparations, and is mainly cultivated in the USA, India and partly in southern Europe. In contrast to the herb of other passion flower species, the leaves of the flesh-colored passion flower contain only a low concentration of cyanogenic glycosides and are therefore harmless. Too high concentrations of the so-called hydrocyanic acid glycosides, which are found in many other types of passion flowers, can lead to dizziness, headaches and vomiting.

Passion flower herb: Use as a remedy

In principle, the herb of the passion flower is very well tolerated. There are various ways of using the passion flower herb. Pharmacies often offer extracts, tinctures, tablets, preparations or even ointments. But the passion flower herb can also be used medicinally as a tea.

Passion flower herb tea

Pour boiling water over a teaspoon of fine, dried passion flower herb and let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drink about two to three cups throughout the day.

Notice: Please note, however, that medicinal plants are generally never used for a longer period than six Weeks should be used continuously to avoid unwanted long-term effects on the body avoid. So far, however, there are no known undesirable side effects.

Effect of the passion flower herb

Passion flower herb has a calming and blood pressure-lowering effect and is primarily used to treat difficulties falling asleep, anxiety and nervousness. Active ingredients of the passion flower herb are mainly flavonoids. These flavonoids are found in the dried herb at levels of 1 to 2.5%. However, it has not yet been possible to clearly determine which ingredient is the exact active ingredient. The effect of the herb has not yet been sufficiently scientifically proven. While animal studies indicate efficacy, proper human studies have not yet been conducted.

But not only the herb of the passion flower has a healing effect. The fruit of the plant is also extremely healthy. more about passion fruit you'll find here.