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Passionflower: properties and health benefits

The passionflower , also known as passion flower, passion flower, passion flower, is a plant belonging to the family of Pasifloráceas and can reach up to 9 meters high. It has climbing and woody stems, as well as alternate dark green leaves, flowers with lilac or pinkish tints and an edible fruit called passion fruit.

It is an herb widely used in natural medicine due to its multiple beneficial properties for the health of the body, among which those that serve to treat various nervous manifestations stand out, since it has very powerful sedative, anxiolytic and tranquilizing effects. Therefore, it is useful to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia naturally. In this post we will talk about what are the main health benefits of passionflower , how it can be consumed and we will show what its contraindications and side effects are.

Active principles of passionflower

  • Indole alkaloids.
  • Flavonoids (powerful antioxidants).
  • Cyanogenetic heterosides.
  • Essential oil.
  • Stigmasterol.
  • Maltol.
  • Fatty acids.

Health benefits of passionflower

This plant, as we have already mentioned, is widely known and valued for its tranquilizing, calming, sedative and anxiolytic properties, which help to solve all those problems or conditions associated with the functioning of the nervous system .

Properties of passionflower related to the nervous system

  • Combat stress and anxiety: its sedative, calming and anxiolytic properties make it excellent for treating cases of daily stress and anxiety. It helps to calm the nerves and relax the body in situations that can generate stress, such as work problems, personal problems, exams, public speaking, the loss of a loved one, etc. Apart from this, it is used for cases of generalized anxiety, reducing the symptoms caused by the withdrawal syndrome of narcotic substances, combating seasonal depression, controlling anxiety about eating, among others. In fact, it has been suggested that passionflower can be just as effective as many of the medications that are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.
  • Treat and improve sleep disorders: it has hypnotic properties, making it very effective for cases of insomnia. Its alkaloid and flavonoid content help you to fall asleep, induce relaxation and, therefore, allow you to recover a good rest and a restful and excellent quality sleep.
  • Relieve pain or other conditions derived from nervous problems , such as headaches or migraines, abdominal pain, palpitations, nocturnal enuresis (frequent urge to urinate at night), nausea, difficulty breathing normally, etc. .

Other properties of passionflower for health

  • It has antispasmodic properties, so it is beneficial in case of intestinal spasms or cramps, menstrual cramps, asthma or muscle spasms.
  • It helps reduce high blood pressure, so its consumption is recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure .
  • It is excellent for reducing the symptoms that occur in menopause , especially for fatigue, difficulties in falling asleep and psychological disorders that are suffered during this stage, such as nervousness, irritability, depression, sadness, etc.
  • Used externally, passionflower can be a good natural remedy to reduce discomfort and inflammation in the case of hemorrhoids and skin burns.
  • Due to its content of vitamins A, B, C and minerals such as iron potassium , it has been pointed out that it is a plant that can help prevent cancer because it neutralizes the action of free radicals in the body. These nutrients also help lower high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.

How to take passionflower

Passionflower or passion flower can easily be found in any herbalist or store specializing in the sale of natural products. It is available in different presentations so that we can select the one that best suits our needs:

  • Dried plant in bags to prepare an infusion of passionflower. You can take up to 2 or 3 cups a day depending on the problem to be treated and the age and weight of the patient.
  • Liquid extract: the recommended dose is usually between 30 and 50 drops diluted in a glass of water or in a natural fruit juice.
  • Tincture: the recommended dose is between 50 and 60 drops daily divided into 3 doses. They should also be taken dissolved in water or fruit juices.
  • Tablets: the recommended dose ranges around 90 mg per day, although it will always depend on the affectation that the affected person presents.

All the doses mentioned are indicative, so it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before starting to consume it.

How to make passionflower tea

Without a doubt, the most common way to take passionflower is as an infusion, since with this drink we can benefit from most of its medicinal and healing properties. To prepare passionflower tea at home , it is only necessary to carry out the following steps:

  1. Add 2 small tablespoons of dried passionflower leaves to the equivalent of 1 cup of water.
  2. Let it boil on the fire for at least 10 minutes.
  3. After that time, turn off the heat and let the infusion rest for about 5 more minutes.
  4. Strain the preparation, pour into a cup and let it warm for a few minutes before drinking it.

Contraindications of passionflower

Before starting to take passionflower, it is important to know what its contraindications are, since in certain cases its consumption can be harmful to health. It is important that they refrain from consuming it:

  • Babies and children under 6 years old.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Women who are breastfeeding.
  • Patients who are taking sedative or anxiolytic medications, as it could cause excessive drowsiness or disorientation.
  • It should not be taken for at least 2 weeks prior to undergoing surgery, as there is a risk that it will interact with anesthesia by directly affecting the central nervous system.
  • People who have an allergy to the passionflower plant or any of the plants belonging to the passionflower family.
  • It should not be taken with alcoholic beverages.

Side effects of passionflower

Despite the fact that the consumption of passionflower in the recommended doses is totally safe, it can produce certain side effects when ingested in large quantities, and these are the ones we list below:

  • Confusion and disorientation.
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness.
  • Nausea and / or vomiting.
  • Inflammation of the blood vessels.
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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