Passionflower for Stress, Anxiety and Insomnia

Written By Michelle Williams, ND

Passionflower- Passiflora incarnate

Passionflower is a well-known botanical used

as medicine in the treatment of stress, anxiety and insomnia related to nervousness. Native people of the Americas have used it for centuries as a sedative as well as physicians in Europe.

Passionflower is believed to increase levels of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the brain, leading to an overall feeling of relaxation. This may lead enhanced ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. As the effects of passionflower don’t linger, it has not been linked to a sense of groggy or foggy feelings upon waking.

Current research has also shown efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.  In a study passionflower was compared to the benzodiazepine oxazepam (Serax) in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and was shown to be as effective without affecting job performance.  

Passion Flower is a perennial climbing vine with woody stems that grow to be nearly 32 feet and is native to the southeastern parts of the Americas. The flowers have 5 white petals with sepals that vary from magenta to blue. Folklore has it that the corona resembles the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion leading to the naming of the plant. The parts used for medicine are the flowers, leaves and stems.

Passionflower (fresh or dried) can be taken as a tea infusion, liquid extract or tincture.

Drink 1 cup of tea 1 hour before bed for insomnia and 3-4 cups throughout the day for anxiety.

Caution should be exercised when taking sedatives or monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) alongside passionflower. The combination is not recommended as it may increase the therapeutic and sedative effects as well as enhance the side effects of these medications due to it's calming properties. It may also increase the clotting time of blood so it is not recommended to use with blood thinners and is considered a uterine stimulant so should not be consumed during pregnancy.

Always remember to contact your healthcare provider when considering the use of botanical medicine as a possible treatment option and the medical considerations. 

Dr. Williams is accepting New patients at Natural Health Works in Oregon City. Click Here to be directed to Natural Health Works site to schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams today. 

Original article appeared in the March issue of the Women In Balance Newsletter as Passionflower for Insomnia and Anxiety

Click here to view the original publication

Resources:

Abascal, Kathy, B.S., J.D., R.H., and Eric Yarnell, N.D., R.H. "Nervine Herbs for Treating Anxiety." Nervine Herbs for Treating Anxiety. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIE, Dec. 2004. Web. 25 Mar. 2015. <http://www.academia.edu/1445146/Nervine_herbs_for_treating_anxiety>.

Chelf, Stephanie, McCarthy, Marisa, Natural Health, 10679588, Aug2003, Vol. 33, Issue 6

Erlich, Steven D., NMD. "Passionflower." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 23 June 2011. Web. 25 Mar. 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fumm.edu%2Fhealth%2Fmedical%2Faltmed%2Fherb%2Fpassionflower>.

Tilgner, Sharol M., ND. Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth. Ed. Louis Fiore. 2nd ed. Pleasent Hill: Wise Acres LLC, 2009. 132. Print.