Actions:

• Anodyne- substance that relieves pain
• Spasmolytic -substance that reduces or relives smooth muscle spasm (involuntary contractions)
• Anti convulsive-substance to prevent tends to prevent or treats seizures (convulsions)
• Nervine -Substance thats improves the tone ,vigor,and function of the nervous system ,relaxes and energizes the nervous system
• Sedative -substance that reduces activity ,particularly in the nervous system and decreases nervous tension.
• Antispasmodic -Substance that reduces or relieves smooth muscle spasm
• Anxioytic-  Substance that alleviates anxiety
• Hypotensive -Substance which reduces blood pressure.

Passion flower is not only known as a religiously symbolic and easily grown plant. Many varieties of the passion flower’s “passiflora” genus have also been used medicinally for centuries first by Native Americans then by other cultures. The most common medicinal uses were as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, pain relief, and anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxing).

While it is primarily valued for its nerve-calming properties, passion flower can also be used as a pain reliever for light to moderate pain.

Relief for anxiety and nervousness

The leaves and roots of many passion flower varieties contain compounds called beta-carboline harmala alkaloids. These alkaloids act as natural MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors. MAO inhibitors aid in the metabolism of feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and norephinephrine.

This produces a calm state of being as well as a sense of well being. It helps reduce feelings of anxiety  and lessen the symptoms of stress by elevating the circulation of happiness-promoting chemicals. Passion flower has very few known side-effects which makes it a desirable, natural remedy for anxiety and occasional nervousness. It can also help induce and improve the quality of sleep.

Pain relief

Many varieties of the passionflower family also contain naturally analgesic or pain-relieving flavonoid compounds. These include chrysin, orientin, vitexin and isovitexin. Since these compounds relax the central nervous system they can also help with various kinds of pain such as back pain or nerve related pain. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve pain.

Passion flower also has demonstrated anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties which may help explain its ability to relieve pain. It has even been researched as a potential remedy for Parkinson’s disease to help ease the shaking that is related to the malfunction of the neurotransmitters. While it likely cannot cure the disease, there is currently evidence that it can help reduce symptoms.

Equine use 

Passionflower  is acknowledged as a good remedy for anxiety, tension and irritability, passionflower can be of benefit to horses who are generally nervous and agitated  as well as those who are distressed and restless due to a current illness. In addition to its directly calming effects it also has analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-spasmodic properties and can be helpful , often in conjunction with other herbs, the unpredictable moody  mare .

 

Rosemarie

CRNP

Organic Passion Flower