Herb library

Passiflora (Passionflower)

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Cooling vine for circular thinking, muscle tension and broken sleep.

Passionflower vine · Climber · Parts: Leaf, Flower, Stem

Taste (rasa)
Bitter, Astringent
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Vata

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Calms racing thoughts and improves sleep maintenance
  • Eases irritability and nervous tension
  • Relieves muscle cramps and menstrual discomfort

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Passionflower is a cooling nervine for circular thinking and tension held in the muscles — the classic 'monkey mind' herb.

Traditional uses

  • Racing thoughts and difficulty staying asleep
  • Irritability and nervous tension
  • Muscle cramps and menstrual discomfort

Practical guidance

  1. 1Tea or tincture in the evening is traditional; it works best with a short wind-down routine.
  2. 2Combine with valerian for stubborn insomnia, with lemon balm for daytime anxiety.
  3. 3Avoid in pregnancy and with sedatives.

How much

Dosage

1-2 g dried herb as tea, or 200-400 mg extract twice daily.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Passionflower tea

Steep 1 tsp dried leaf in hot water for 10 minutes.

Evening, before bed

Night blend

Combine with valerian and lemon balm for a stronger sleep formula.

One hour before bed

Read this first

Precautions

  • Avoid in pregnancy
  • Caution with sedatives and antidepressants
  • Stop before surgery

Where this comes from

Sources

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.