Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) properties and effects

For thousands of years, nature has been a source of many healing remedies and it is worth taking advantage of what it offers us. Passionflower is of interest to lovers of natural support for body and soul.

In this article, I will introduce you to the health-promoting properties of passionflower, which may work well for your ailments - especially if you are experiencing mental tension or sleep problems. I asked Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., for his opinion on the use of this plant.

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See also:

• Melatonin
• Melatonin for sleep
• Ashwagandha
• Adaptogens
• Berberine
• Piperine
• Ashwagandha
• Indian ginseng
• Wild rose
• Curcuma
• Maceberry
• Caffeine
• Prescription-free sleep pills

Passionflower - properties

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About 500 species of passionflower (passionflower)and are known. Some studies suggest that certain varieties of it may have unique medicinal benefits - for example, the eponymous passiflora incarnata.

The passionflower, also known as the passionflower or passion flower, received its curious name in the 16th century. It was the Spaniards who saw in the flower's structure parts resembling the crown of thorns and nails with which the crucified Christ was nailed. 

Native Americans used it as a sedative and medicinally for boils, wounds, earaches and liver problemsand. Currently, researchers are mainly focusing on its calming effects in their studiesand. What do the research results so far suggest?

Passiflora - effects

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Passiflora incarnata is a rich source of compounds from the flavonoid group and indole alkaloids. These are naturally occurring substances in plants with health-promoting effects on the human bodyand. The sedative and calming effects of passionflower may be related to the presence of maltol in this plant .

What does passionflower fleshflower help with?

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Passionflower may prove to be a good support for sleep complaints and mental tension. It may also alleviate unpleasant symptoms during menopause and neuropathic pain. Check below to see exactly what the researchers found.

Anxiety

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Research suggests that passiflora incarnata may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and restlessnessand. In the future, this plant could be used as an adjunct before pre-operative anaesthesia, as it exhibits anti-anxiety effects without affecting psychomotor function or increasing drowsiness - unlike some drugs.

In 2020, Polish researchers reviewed previous research findings on passionflowerand. This work tested the plant's potential to alleviate certain symptoms of neuropsychiatric origin (schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression and ADHD). In a few years, this plant may prove to be a helpful adjunct therapy for these diseases.

Sleep

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Research suggests that passionflower may help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders through its anti-anxiety effectsand. The preliminary results relate to a study in which participants drank a dose of passionflower or a placebo once a day for seven days. The study participants consuming an infusion of the plant fell asleep faster and experienced fewer awakenings during the night, compared to the group drinking the placeboand.

The results of the study have been linked to the fact that passionflower increases the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This compound reduces its activityand, which may help to relax the mind and body, influencing easier falling asleep and uninterrupted sleep.

Stress

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Results of a review of studies suggestand that the anti-anxiety effects of passionflower are comparable to drugs such as oxazepam or midazolam (drugs with sedative effects). 

Scientists suggest that the plant may prove to be a safe pharmaceuticaland that could be used as a complementary therapy for certain mental illnesses or increased stressand.

Might be of interest to you!

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Check out how other plants help to combat stress. Find out more in the articles:

• Ashwagandha - effects, properties, contraindications
• Adaptogens - what they are, types, effects, supplementation

Without sugar

Sleep with Benefits – Vegan Sleep Gummies, Ashwagandha KSM-66, Raspberry Flavor

5.0

Supports better sleep and stress reduction (ashwagandha). Promotes relaxation and cognitive function (L-theanine). Has a positive effect on the nervous system (passionflower).

• Main active ingredient: 10:1 extract of ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) KSM-66^®
• Amount of main active ingredient: 100 mg
• Standardization: 5% withanolides
• Other ingredients: L-theanine 98 mg, Passionflower herb extract 34 mg, L-tryptophan 200 mg
• Daily serving: 2 gummies
• Packaging: 60 gummies
• Sufficient for: 30 days

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Product description

Supports better sleep and stress reduction, promoting relaxation and cognitive functions. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system. The vegan Sleep with Benefits gummies use KSM-66® ashwagandha – the most researched, highest quality extract from the root of Withania somnifera.

The product is sugar-free – each gummy contains only 6 kcal! Sleep with Benefits is available in two flavors: pineapple and raspberry.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Highest quality Ashwagandha – KSM-66^®
• Well-balanced, simple ingredients
• No melatonin (which may allow combining this supplement with others that contain it)
• Fantastic raspberry or pineapple flavor

Cons:

• Reasonable doses of active ingredients may be perceived as "weak" – remember that this is a dietary supplement, and calming substances can amplify each other's effects. Additionally, this supplement was also designed as a complement to other supplements that may contain melatonin or ashwagandha.

For a Good Night's Sleep

Zdrowosen

Herbal extracts of hops and passionflower cones, melatonin, and magnesium and vitamin B6 for people who have trouble falling asleep.

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Nervina Antistress Forte

A composition of plant extracts enriched with magnesium, niacin and vitamin B6 for people under stress and with sleep problems.

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Gentle silencing

Osavi herbal sleep support

5.0

• Active Ingredients: winterwort, lemon balm, common hops
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• Form: capsules
• .
• Dose: 1 capsule before bed
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• Sufficient for: 4 months
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Product description

A dietary supplement to promote calmness and facilitate sleep. Recommended for stressful periods or moderate sleep problems.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement to promote calmness and facilitate sleep. Recommended for stressful periods or moderate sleep problems.

Additional information

A dietary supplement to promote calmness and facilitate sleep. Recommended for stressful periods or moderate sleep problems.

A dietary supplement to promote calmness and facilitate sleep. Recommended for stressful periods or moderate sleep problems.

Editor's choice

Sleep Essentials

4.8

• Active ingredients:Grass geranium, common chamomile, hops flower, sidereal thyroid, L-taurine, passionflower, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, GABA, Melatonin
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• Form: capsules
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• Packaging: 60 capsules
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• Dose: 1 capsule per day
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• Sufficient for: 60 days
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Product description

The dietary supplement Sleep Essentials by Swanson is a product containing melatonin, enriched with ingredients of plant origin. Melatonin helps to shortenóthe time it takes to fall asleep. A beneficial effect occurs when 1 mg of melatonin is consumed shortly before going to bed. Chamomile supports physical and mental well-being and helps to relax and maintain healthy sleep.

Pros and cons

The dietary supplement Sleep Essentials by Swanson is a product containing melatonin, enriched with ingredients of plant origin. Melatonin helps to shortenóthe time it takes to fall asleep. A beneficial effect occurs when 1 mg of melatonin is consumed shortly before going to bed. Chamomile supports physical and mental well-being and helps to relax and maintain healthy sleep.

Additional information

The dietary supplement Sleep Essentials by Swanson is a product containing melatonin, enriched with ingredients of plant origin. Melatonin helps to shortenóthe time it takes to fall asleep. A beneficial effect occurs when 1 mg of melatonin is consumed shortly before going to bed. Chamomile supports physical and mental well-being and helps to relax and maintain healthy sleep.

Expert opinion

Pain of neurological origin

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Neuralgic pains (neuralgias) arise as a result of damage to or dysfunction of the nervous systemand. Pain, numbness, tingling or burning negatively affect the patient's quality of life , sometimes limiting their activities. Research into passionflower as a neuralgia reliever is promising and suggests that this plant may be helpful in the treatment of these ailmentsand.

Menopause

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Menopause is a period when many changes occur in women under the influence of hormonesand. Changing levels of oestrogen and other key hormones for a woman can cause: mood changes, anxiety, increased nervousness, hot flashes, among other things. Research suggests that passionflower may reduce these unpleasant symptoms associated with menopauseand.

Addictions

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Scientists are looking at the effects of passionflower on relieving withdrawal symptoms and treating addictions to drugs  and nicotine . Studies on a group of addicts suggest that this plant, in combination with medication, may be helpful in reducing the unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal from these harmful substances.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

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Many substances contained in herbs exhibit antioxidant effects (prevent disease)  due to the compounds they contain, e.g. flavonoids , glycosides . They are used in the supportive treatment of many diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. More research is needed to confirm the medicinal use of passionflower in the aforementioned diseases, but its antioxidant activity cannot be denied .

Learn about other plants with antioxidant effects in the articles:

• Ashwagandha - action, properties, contraindications
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• Curcumin - properties, side effects, contraindications
• Piperine - effects, side effects, when first effects?

Piperine - indications for use

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When is it advisable to use passionflower?

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• You have problems calming down before bed and falling asleep.
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• You are experiencing stress and tension on a daily basis.
• You are experiencing stress and tension.
• You are currently going through a difficult time of menopause.
• You are experiencing stress and tension on a daily basis.
• You suffer from neuropathic pain.
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• You want to strengthen your body naturally.
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Forms of administration and recommended intake

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Passionflower is used in the form of:

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• naparose, 
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• aqueous extract, 
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• powder,
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• capsules,
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• drops,
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Passionflower extract is also an ingredient in some compounded herbal preparations with sedative effects. How to take it depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the content of the active ingredients.

How to take passionflower.

Passionflower is a beautiful plant, but one should be careful with its consumption - this beauty hides a powerful force. I asked Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., about the safe and medicinal use of passionflower herb.

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Contraindications to the use of passionflower

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Passionflower is a gift from nature that is worth taking advantage of. However, be sure to read the contraindications to avoid dangerous interactions with medicines or harm yourself. 

What are the contraindications to using passionflower?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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Do not use passionflower during pregnancyand as it may induce uterine contractions and premature labour. Little is known about its safety during breastfeeding, so its consumption during this period is not recommended .

Interactions with medicines

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Passionflower has strong effects on the central nervous systemand. Caution should be exercised when using passionflower and other centrally acting drugsand (e.g., sedative and sedative) at the same time.

Effects on ability to drive and operate machinery

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Passionflower may cause drowsinessand, therefore driving and operating machinery should be avoided during its use.

Can children take passionflower?"

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The use of passionflower herb is not recommended in children under 12 years of age. It is not known how long-term use affects the young body. If your child is nervous, agitated, tearful - see a doctor or consult a child psychologist.

Side effects of passionflower

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Passionflower is considered safe for useand. However, in some people it may cause side effectsand, such as:

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• insomnia,
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• dizziness,
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• disorientation,
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This is usually related to overconsumption or interaction with other drugs.

See also health articles:

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• Thyroid testing
• Thyroidism
• Blood tests
• Anemia
• Cervical cancer
• Hepatitis
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• Fatty (oily) liver
• Hepatic tests
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• How to look after your mental health

Natural methods of supporting the body with various health problems are a good complement to various therapies. However, if you have not felt an improvement in your health and well-being for a long time, or your problems are getting worse, consult a specialist.

Which plant from the passionflower family do you want to read an article about? Let me know in the comments. The weirder the name, the better!

Summary

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