Passiflora Incarnata 

Passiflora incarnata is an herb widely used in herbal treatments of anxiety, depression and insomnia. It is also well known as Passion flower and is part of the family of Passifloraceae. Passiflora is also called maypop and apricot vine. It is a perennial that grows on vines and a native plant to the United States; it is commonly found in the southeastern part of the USA, generally in warmer climates. It is also considered a threatened and rare plant in Ohio and in Indiana.

Passion flower has been used in traditional medications and treatments dating well back hundreds of years. From as early as 1787, the plant is documented as being able to treat epilepsy in older people. For many years thereafter, there are few sightings of the term being used in any forms of medication. Yet, in 1840, doctors in Mississippi began to use the plant again. It was used to treat conditions related to sleep problems. During this time period, it was an ideal product to use to treat health concerns in which there were no physical pain associated with the problem, such as anxiety, nervousness and insomnia.

Later in history, Passiflora incarnata was used in over the counter medications to treat sleep problems as it worked as a sleep aid and a sedative that was mild enough and had no addiction qualities to it. In the United States, it was not used heavily in prescription medications but was frequently used in Europe.

Today, Passiflora incarnata is used fresh as well as dried. It is commonly used in countries such as Germany and in France to treat nervous anxiety. Daily doses are about .5 to 2g of the herb. In tea form, 2.5g will be used. It also can used in tinctures.

The active ingredients in Passiflora incarnata are flavinoids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saparin, which provide the necessary relief from conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks and nervousness. This plant has also been used to help reduce high blood pressure as well as nervous tremors in some people.

Passion flower works by relieving the irritation of the nerve centers and improving the circulation of blood throughout the body. If you are struggling with the symptoms of anxiety attack or signs and symptoms of restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, depression and lack of energy you may want to investigate your options of natural treatments that include passion flower for it is likely to be of great help - and it's quite safe.