Herb - Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata Passifloracea Also called Maypo, Apricot vine

This climbing shrub is native to South America and can grow to 9m, It has three-lobed, indented leaves and grips on by means if tmdrils, Its showy flowers grow singly and have white petals, surmounted by a crown if violet or pink filaments, and large stamens with orange-coloured sacs, This medicinal plant must not be confused with the cultivated variety that produces passion fruit.

Parts used

CAUTION

To date, no side effects have been recorded when passionflower is used in therapeutic doses.

Constituents

In addition to a tiny percentage of maltol, passionflower contains traces of indole alkaloids and up to 2.5 per cent of various flavonoids.

Medicinal uses

Passionflower is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, palpitations and digestive problems that have a nervous origin. It is a gentle remedy so is particularly suitable for use with children.Studies performed in 1974 suggest that maltol and ethyl maltol impart sedative effects. In addition, the flavonoids are likely to have a sedative action.

Cultivation

Plant seeds in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, in well-drained. sandy soil in a sunny location.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

TO TREAT insomnia
INFUSION Put 1 teaspoon of dried plant into a cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes and strain. Drink 1 cup at bedtime.

TINCTURE (1:8 in 25% alcohol) Take 25-75 drops a day in a glass of water.
TO TREAT vegetative dystonia. palpitations, nervous agitation INFUSION (see above) Drink 1 cup. three times a day. TINCTURE (1:8 in 25% alcohol) Take 25 drops in a glass of water three times a day.