Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries to promote relaxation and support restful sleep. Today, it’s a widely used herb for people experiencing mild anxiety, nervous tension and occasional insomnia.
Research suggests passion flower may help calm the nervous system by influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter involved in regulating stress, relaxation and sleep. Therefore, some studies have found it may reduce mild anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, passion flower has also demonstrated antispasmodic properties in laboratory studies. This may explain its traditional use for relieving muscle tension and menstrual cramping.
The herb is available as a tea, liquid extract and capsules. As with all herbal medicines, it is best used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. This is especially important, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking sedative medications.
A Brief History of Passion Flower
Passion flower (Passiflora) is a predominantly American genus of flowering plants. For centuries, several species were used by Indigenous peoples throughout North America as both a food source and a herbal remedy.
Spanish explorers first documented passion flowers during the mid-16th century. Christian missionaries and devotional writers were captivated by the flower’s unique structure, interpreting its different parts as symbols of the Passion of Christ. This inspired the name “flower of the Passion,” from which the English common name, passion flower, is derived.
The scientific genus name Passiflora, meaning “Passion flower,” was formally established later in European botanical literature and remains the botanical name used today.