Pacify Anxiety With Passionflower

Native to the southern United States as well as Central and South america, Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a fast growing vine with showy purple and white flowers. The flowers and leaves have a long history of use for easing anxiety and insomnia dating back to the Spanish conquistador, who learned about the sedative effects of the plant from Aztecs.

Reasearch has shown that passionflower contains a variety of mild tranquilizing compounds, and extracts of the herb have been shown to be effective as prescription drugs in relieving anxiety symptoms. Unlike anti anxiety drugs, passionflower does not have negaatif side effects, such as inpairment of job performance.

PassionFlower should not be used during pregnancy because compounds in the herbs (halmala alkaloids) are uterine stimulants. If you are taking prescription sedatives or monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) anti-depressants, check with your health care practitioner before using passionflower.

Tansion Taming Tea:

1 cup boiling water
1 tsp dried passionflower
1 tsp dried lemon verbena

Pour water over herbs in a teapot. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired and drink up to 3 cups a day.