Passionflower: a thousand properties, uses to enhance its benefits

Passionflower, a flower with a thousand varieties and properties that you do not expect. Always used in herbal medicine, what are its benefits, how to take it and for which problems is it more effective as a natural remedy?

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La passionflower, a flower with a thousand varieties and properties that you do not expect. It has always been used in herbal medicine, what are its benefits, how to take it and for which problems it is most effective how natural remedy?

La passiflora (with particular reference to Passiflora caerulea and Passiflora incarnata) is a plant with white, blue and purple flowers grown mostly for decorative purposes but which hides interesting beneficial properties from the herbal point of view.

Passionflower flowers appear in summer and its fruits are edible. For the preparation of herbal remedies and medicines, the aerial parts passion flower which are made up of stems, flowers, leaves and fruits. It is commonly used especially for the treatment and prevention of anxiety, anguish ed insomnia due to agitation.

The passionflower it is harvested in the middle of summer. The younger leaves and branches are used for herbal purposes, but the properties of its fruits should not be underestimated. THE passion fruit fruits they are in fact rich in Vitamin C and have a high refreshing power. They are usually referred to with the name of maracuya.

Some researches have studied the properties of the passionflower plant and fruits to evaluate their effectiveness in different situations. So let's find out all the benefits that this splendid flower offers to our health ...

Index

Passionflower, properties and benefits

This strikingly beautiful flower originates from the Americas where it has been used for centuries to heal bruises and cuts.

The current ones herbal remedies based on passionflower are very effective. One of their points in favor is certainly constituted by the fact of obtaining a 'quick action. The main feature of this plant is to have a relaxing effect and sedative towards the central nervous system but it is not the only property contained in the flower.

We could summarize the characteristics of this natural remedy as follows:

Combats anxiety and states of agitation: passionflower is considered as a real one relaxation herb, along with lemon balm, lime and valerian. According to some studies, it would be able to reduce anxiety in just 30 minutes even in patients who are about to undergo surgery. The advantage over anxiolytic drugs, among other things, is that taking this plant does not have any of the side effects of drugs (sleepiness, feeling lightheaded or reduced muscle function).
Fights insomnia: its calming action on the nervous system guarantees a peaceful night sleep and devoid of awakenings.
Natural pain reliever (in some situations): its antispasmodic action allows its use in case of problems due to muscle contractures, such as i menstrual cramps.
Relieves the typical discomfort of menopause: the intake of herbal preparations based on passion flower can be indicated to alleviate any ailments present during menopause.
It is antioxidant: passionflower is rich in antioxidant active ingredients including quercetin, rutin and apigenin. In particular, the first has shown (in various researches) particularly effective in freeing the body from harmful free radical molecules and in inhibiting the various enzymes that cause inflammation.
Lower your blood pressure: Some studies show that passionflower extract can help reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). Taking an infusion of this flower every day can regulate blood pressure levels in people with mild hypertension. However, it is important to point out that those taking blood pressure medications should not take this remedy because it can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Passionflower: a thousand properties, uses to enhance its benefits

Passionflower, how to use it

Thanks to the fact that it acts both physically and psychologically, passionflower lends itself to various uses and is one of the most recommended natural remedies in case of disorders related to the nervous system. We can test its effectiveness in case of problems such as:

irritability
stress and nervousness
obsessive neuroses and phobias
tachycardia
trough
irritable bowel
menstrual cramps
typical disorders of menopause
diseases on a nervous basis

In herbalist's shop it is possible to buy the dried extracts of passionflower necessary for the preparation of herbal teas. It can also be found in tincture or tablet form. Here are two recipes you can experiment with:

Sedative and antispasmodic passionflower infusion: it can be prepared using 2 grams of passionflower leaves per 100 grams of water. Three tablespoons of the liquid obtained by infusion can be taken in moments of greatest tension. More generally, the passionflower infusion drunk before going to sleep acts as a natural sleeping pill. In any case, it is advisable not to abuse it.
Passion flower remedy for anxiety: it is necessary to soak for a week 3 grams of passion flower leaves and flowers per 100 grams of dry white wine. Two small glasses should be drunk a day. Not more. It is advisable to keep the healing wine based on passionflower in the refrigerator.

Passionflower can also be used in the form of liquid extract or capsule supplement (always on the advice of an expert):

Liquid extract: take 10 to 30 drops of passion flower once or more times a day
Supplement: 1 or more capsules per day according to the indications of the person who recommended the remedy

Passionflower, contraindications

Like all plants and natural remedies, passionflower also has some possible contraindications. It is absolutely not recommended for pregnant women as the alkaloids contained in the plant could cause premature uterine contractions. Better to avoid taking it even when breastfeeding or before 12 years of age as there are not many studies that guarantee its safety.

Finally, associated with some drugs, it could increase or decrease their effectiveness (always evaluate together with your doctor whether to take it or not) such as anxiolytics, anticoagulants and sedatives.