Author
Kimberly Kushner
Naturopath and Nutritionist
One of the most surreal-looking flowers, totally otherworldly and so interesting to look at… Passion flower is the blossom of the beautiful passionfruit.
Botanical name: Passiflora incarnata
Common name: Passion flower
Plant family: Passifloraceae
Parts used: Flowers, leaves and stems
Active constituents: Flavanoids, coumarin derivatives, and alkaloids
Actions: Hypnotic (sleep inducing), anti-spasmodic (reduces spasm), nervine, anxiolytic mild sedative
Indications:
Dating back to the 1800s, Passion flower was used traditionally to aid with epilepsy and nervous anxiety. In modern naturopathy and herbalism, it is not commonly used amongst epileptics due to potential interactions with medication. It is a wonderful herb used to support normal sleep patterns without making one feel foggy-headed or dulling mental alertness. It does not cause ‘after effects’, or create any tolerance issues. Passion flower aids in insomnia where one is exhausted but unable to sleep due to mental over exertion and anxiety. It is also commonly used as part of generalised anxiety treatment.
Combinations:
• As a tea or tincture with Chamomile, Skullcap, Lavender, Valerian for sleep
• As a tincture with Jamaican Dogwood and Valerian for pain
• As a tea or tincture with Chamomile, Lemon balm and Ginger for IBS
Cautions and Contraindications:
Caution and potential interactions with any nervous system pharmaceuticals. Not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Preparation:
Preparations of approximately 2.5g of the dried herb or 1 tsp of ground dried herb as a tea steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Kimberly Kushner BHSc (Nutritional Medicine), BHSc (Naturopathy) is a clinical nutritionist and naturopath who aims to provide you with the finest holistic health care. Her approach in assisting you to optimal health is practical, compassionate, empathic, and scientific. Kimberly treats acute and chronic health conditions and her main areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: reproductive health (women’s and men’s), digestive complaints, food allergies, healthy weight management, detoxification, and more.
