There are over 400 Passiflora kind. Passiflora incarnata is the most common species in herbal products and is what we use here at WishGarden. Common names for Passionflower include maypop, purple Passionflower, true Passionflower, Holy Trinity Flower, molly pop, pop apple, water lemon and apricot vine.
The dried or fresh leaves, flowers and tendrils of passion flower are used in teas, tinctures and capsules. Tea made from the root is used as a tonic in North and South America. Passion fruit that develops from the flower has a pleasant taste and smell and is used all over the world as a flavoring in foods and drinks.
History of the name
Legend has it that the inspiration for the name passion flower came in the 18th century. Missionaries in Brazil attempted to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and used the parts of the passion flower as a visual aid to depict the Passion of Christ or the Crucifixion of Christ. The five stamens represent the five wounds, the three styles represent the three nails and the White and purple flowers are said to represent purity and heaven. The species name incarnation means ‘of the flesh’ or ‘flesh-colored’.
Another version of the legend says that the name originated in Italy for similar reasons, with religious connotations. This version of the name legend says that the name is derived from the phrase flos passioniswhich is a shortened version of fior della passionereferring to the symbolism of Christ’s suffering.
Doctrine of signatures
The Doctrine of Signatures, which dates back to the time of Dioscorides and Galen (50-200 AD), states that plants that resemble body parts can be useful for those parts they resemble. The color, shape, texture, scent, location, and other physical and geographic characteristics can be used to determine how a plant may be useful. According to this logic, the appearance of the passion flower tells us a lot about its uses.
It is said that the vines and unique vibrant lines on the petals of the passion flower represent the nerves that run through our bodies. And some believe this indicates that passionflower could be helpful in calming an agitated nervous system. Herbalist Paul Bergner believes that the delicate and intricate flower suggests that it is most useful in fragile and delicate situations, especially for the young, the elderly and others who are in a vulnerable emotional or physical state.
Historical use of passion flower
Indeed, passionflower has a long history of calming anxious minds and bodies. The Aztecs were the first to use passionflower. In the late 16th century, a Spanish physician was the first to record the use of passionflower during a visit to Peru, where passionflower has long been used to promote tranquility.
Eclectic doctors of the 19e and 20e For centuries, passionflower has been used to help with sleep disorders, to soothe irritated throat and lungs, and to relieve digestive discomfort. The herb was reportedly used by Native Americans, early European settlers, and African American slaves. It is said that the Algonquin people of North America used passionflower to induce feelings of tranquility. Locally, passionflower was used by Native American peoples to encourage a healthy inflammatory response. The Cherokee of the Tennessee area called it “ocoee” and it was an important food and spice for their people for thousands of years.
Modern uses and benefits of passion flower
Passionflower calms the nervous system and soothes feelings of worry and excitement. It is helpful in regulating a steady and slow heart rate and encourages a healthy sleep cycle. It is also useful in relieving physical discomfort and relaxing tense muscles. Passionflower is also used to relieve discomfort during menstruation.
It is often used in Mexico for disturbed sleep. The German Commission approved passion flower for nervous restlessness. The ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) recommends passionflower for relieving tension, restlessness, irritability and sleep disorders. Passionflower is mentioned in the pharmacopoeias of Great Britain, the US, India, Switzerland, Germany and France, among others.
A promising 2005 clinical study suggested that passionflower may help children who have difficulty concentrating. It is possible that, thanks to the passion flower’s ability to speak to the mind, it can in turn help us concentrate on the task at hand for longer.
Passionflower is often found in formulas to calm nervous tension, improve mood, and relieve discomfort for the body and mind. WishGarden uses passion flower extract in many formulas, including Emotional Ally: A Big Herbal Hug, Liquid Bliss, Serious Relaxer, Sleepy Nights, Stress Release Tension Tamer for Pregnancy, Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues and PMS Emotional Mood Support.
Delicious and aromatic culinary use of passion fruit
The passion fruit that comes from the flower is aromatic and delicious. It is popular in many tropical parts of the world such as Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America, southern parts of the US (Florida, California and Hawaii) and South Africa. In Brazil, a popular passion fruit drink is known as ‘maracuja’. The fruit can also be made into jam and jelly and used as a dessert flavoring. It is common to find passionflower flavors in packaged foods and drinks around the world to enhance taste and aroma.
Habitat and harvesting
Passionflower is native to the southern US and Central and South America. It is now grown throughout Europe, especially in Italy. Succulent vines, leaves and flower buds are harvested in the early flowering stage for maximum potency. The seeds can be collected in the fall after the fruits have begun to dry. It grows in the southern US and extends into southern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. The aggressive vine can cover the bottom of shrublands in a matter of days in perfect weather. The plant prefers full sun and is drought tolerant. Each flower has a lifespan of about one day, after which the fruit appears 2-3 months later. The fruit is usually harvested from July to October.
Calm Mind and Peaceful Sleep Passionflower Tea: A Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 part passion flower
- 1 part feverfew
- 1 part skullcap
- 1 part rose
- 2 parts rose hips
- 1 part spearmint
- 2 parts marshmallow root
Instructions:
- Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of this mixture.
- Cover and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
References
- Doctrine of Signatures: An Introduction to Deepening Our Connection to the Beneficial Properties of Plants
- Doctrine of signatures
- The Doctrine of Signatures
- 7 things you may not know about passionflower
- Passionflower
- Passiflora edulis
- Passiflora: Passion flower
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Making plant medicine by Richo Cech
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
- Herbal Vade Mecum by Gazmend Skenderi
- Botanical medicine for women’s health by Dr. Aviva Romm
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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