Herb library

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a mild, traditional calming herb used around the home for restless nights and nervous tension. It is gentle and often blended with other soothing herbs in simple teas and syrups.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a gentle nervine to ease occasional restlessness and promote a more settled nightime routine.
• •A long-standing household remedy for mild, situational anxiety, nervous tension, and the fidgets that come with an overbusy day.
• •Traditionally made into a syrup or tea for children over one year to help calm and support sleep, when used carefully and in small amounts.

Simple preparations.

• •Tea infusion: Use 1 tablespoon dried passionflower (or 2 tablespoons fresh) per cup of boiling water, steep covered 10 to 15 minutes, strain. Drink 1 cup in the evening or up to 3 times daily as needed.
• •Syrup for children and adults: Make a strong infusion using 1/2 cup dried passionflower to 2 cups boiling water, steep 20 minutes, strain and sweeten with honey to taste (honey only for children over one). Keep refrigerated and use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon as a bedtime calmative for older children and adults, or as your household dosage routine suggests.
• •Compress for tense muscles or temples: Make a strong infusion (1/4 cup dried to 1 cup boiling water), soak a clean cloth, wring and apply warm to the forehead or tense neck for 10 to 20 minutes.

Cautions.

• !May cause drowsiness or increased sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery after larger doses.
• !Can cause mild stomach upset or dizziness in sensitive individuals; reduce the dose or stop use if this occurs.
• !Avoid combining with other strong sedatives or large amounts of alcohol; check with your doctor before use if you are taking prescription sedative, anti-anxiety, or sleep medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Often kept beside.