Passiflora incarnata
Dried, Cut & Sifted Herb
Passion flower, also known as maypop, is a climbing vine native to the southern United States, where it has enjoyed a long history of use by Native Americans for calming and soothing.
Several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Houma, and Rappahannock, use passionflower to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain. They often make teas or poultices from the leaves and roots.
Some tribes also use passionflower to treat wounds and skin irritations.
Passionflower was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where it quickly gained popularity as a remedy for nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. It was often used in combination with other calming herbs like valerian and lemon balm.
Passionflower was also used to relieve digestive upset and stomach aches, likely due to its calming and antispasmodic properties.
Today, passionflower is still widely used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension. It is believed to work by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, in the brain.
Some herbalists also recommend passionflower for relieving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and anxiety.
While more research is needed, passionflower may also have some pain-relieving properties, particularly for nerve pain.
To prepare as tea:
Pour 8 oz. boiling water over 2 tsp. of herb.
Cover and steep 5-10 minutes
Strain, Serve, Enjoy!
1 oz. Kraft Pouch