Passionflower is a herbal supplement used historically in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria. The herbal supplement is composed of the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant. People use passionflower for anxiety, including anxiety before surgery. Some people also take passionflower for insomnia, stress, ADHD, pain, and many other conditions. In some foods and beverages, passionflower is added for flavoring.
What are some potential health benefits of passionflower?
• Improve symptoms of ADHD – Passionflower helps to even out mood swings, increase concentration, and treat anxiety disorder. It also relieves excitability and anxiety during the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
• Improve sleep –Early studies suggest it might help relieve insomnia and anxiety. It appears to boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. This compound lowers brain activity, which may help you relax and sleep better.
• Reduce inflammation – Passionflower also exhibits mild anti-inflammatory activity. An ethanolic extract of passionflower reduced carrageenan-induced edema, leukocyte migration, and granuloma formation.
How should passionflower be taken?
Passionflower can be taken in the form of a tea, herbal liquid extract, or tablet, as well as convenient sprays which you can use for on-the-go support. If drinking tea, use one teaspoon to one cup of boiling water and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes. If using a spray, tablet, or liquid extract, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Start with less and work up if need be.
How does passionflower help with panic attacks/anxiety?
Passionflower’s anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects are thought to be a result of high concentrations of a specific phytochemical cocktail found in the leaves and flowers, which have calming effects on the mind, muscles, and nervous system. Passionflower’s calming effects are increasingly recognized as working through GABA receptors. GABA acts as a neurotransmitter in our body that can help calm our nervous system by reducing stimulating messages from the brain.
Are there benefits of passionflower for menopausal women?
Menopause is associated with feeling of anxiety and depression, often caused by low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); a chemical in the brain. Passionflower may help reduce these symptoms by increasing the levels of GABA. Passionflower can treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes / night sweats, anxiety, insomnia, depression, anger and headaches. When the levels of GABA are increased, it helps decrease the activity of some of the cells associated with these conditions. Additionally, alkaloids in pssionflower may inhibit monoamine oxidase, which functions like an anti-depressant medication. One study found that passionflower was as effective as oxazepam as treating generalized anxiety disorder and had fewer side effects.
How much passionflower should I use?
General Dosing Guidelines
i. Dried - 0.25-2 g orally three times daily
ii. Tea - 1 cup orally two to three times daily and 30 min before bedtime; 0.25-2 g/150 ml water.
iii. Liquid Extract - 0.5-1 ml orally three times daily; 1:1 in 25% alcohol.
iv. Tincture - 0.5-2 ml orally three times daily; 1:8 in 45% alcohol.
v. Anxiety Disorder - Liquid extract: 45 gut (drops) orally daily.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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