Passion flower

the flowering herb of passion flower (Passiflorae herba)

The passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climber from North America with an unusual flower in which missionaries saw an image of the passion of Christ; hence the name. Here it does not survive the winter out of doors, and herbalism uses imported drug with its origin confirmed.

The herb above ground is gathered during flowering or as the fruit ripens; the shoots are cut up and dried in the shade. Since the drug is imported, it matters when buying that the species is given on the label by its Latin name, because the genus runs to several hundred species with different uses.

In Ašič's collection the passion flower appears in the evening blend NočSIT, where it shares three quarters of the blend with valerian root and lemon balm leaf.

Use and evidence

The EMA recognises traditional use to relieve mild signs of mental stress and to help with sleep. This is not the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression or long-standing insomnia. EMA.