Passion Flower is an effective natural treatment for anxiety and insomnia due to the sedative effect it has on our nervous system. Plus when taken in conjunction with St John’s Wort a common natural remedy for low mood, it increases its antidepressant abilities. It also has demonstrated antispasmodic properties which explains its capacity to relieve pain and menstrual cramping. Passion Flower comes in capsules, liquid and a tea and should be taken in consultation with your healthcare practitioner.
Read about its interesting history below:
Passionflower was first cultivated by native americans for its edible fruit. Spanish conquerors first learned of passionflower from the aztecs of mexico who used it as a sedative to treat insomnia and nervousness. It was named flos passionis or flor de las cinco llagas (flower of the five wounds). The plant was taken back to europe where it became widely cultivated and introduced into european medicine. The unusual construction of its whitish violet flowers caused spanish missionaries to name this plant with reference to elements of the passion of Christ: Its coronal threads were seen as a symbol for the crown of thorns, the curling tendrils for the cords of the whips, the five stamens for the wounds, the three stigmas for the nails on the cross, the ovary for the hammer or holy grail, and the ten petals of the flower for the ten “true” apostles. Mystically Passionflower is ruled by venus and associated with the water element. It represents the feminine principle and when used energetically is said to bring peace to our problems, troubles in the home and helps cultivate relationships.