Part(s) Used: Herb
MEDICINAL: Passionflower is used to treat hyperactivity, insomnia, Parkinson's disease, nervous tension,and the infusion is used to treat eye infections and eye strain. Native American tribes used it as a poultice for bruises and injuries, as well as for an overall tonic.
RELIGIOUS: Passionflower will calm a troubled household when placed inside the home. Spanish missionaries believed the flowers were a symbol of Christ's crucifixion, and the crown of thorns of Christ's passion, giving this plant its name.
GROWING: Passionflower grows best below zone 7 outdoors, so grow indoors in the north. It prefers partial shade and a fertile soil with good drainage. It grows to 25-30 feet as an outdoor vine. Prune old growth in the winter or very early spring to encourage flowering.
Herbal Use: Passionflower is stated to possess sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic and anodyne properties.(G69) Traditionally, it has been used for neuralgia, generalised seizures, hysteria, nervous tachycardia, spasmodic asthma, and specifically for insomnia.(G7) The German Commission E approved internal use for nervous restlessness.(G3) Passionflower is used in combination with valerian root and lemon balm for conditions of unrest, difficulty in falling asleep
due to nervousness.(G3) Passionflower is used extensively in homeopathy.
Food Use: Passionflower is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N3). This category indicates that passionflower can be added to foodstuffs in the traditionally accepted manner, but that there is insufficient information
462 Passionflower
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available for an adequate assessment of potential toxicity.(G16) Previously in the USA, passionflower has been permitted for use in
food.(G65)