Passionflower - An All Natural Remedy for Anxiety, Insomnia, and ADHD

A Brief History of Passionflower as a Natural Herbal Remedy

Passionflower is an all natural herb that has been used in traditional natural medicine for thousands of years.  The ancient Aztecs were believed to have used passionflower as a pain reliver for their wounded warriors and as a natural sedative.  The Aztecs and other Native Americans used the leaves of the maypop and maracujá passionflower varieties to make a soothing tea that treated insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. 

Today, herbalists and practicers of natural medicine use passionflower in a similar manner. These experts recognize passionflower for it's sedative and antispasmodic properties in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and hyperactivity disorders.

Studies Highlighting the Medicinal Value of Passionflower

In 2001, a double blind study concluded that passionflower extract is effective for the management of generalized anxiety disorder.

Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001;26(5):369-373.

In 1999, a different study showed passionflower to be effective in treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia.

Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. 1999; 3(3):290-304.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the following dosages of passionflower for an adult.

Tea: Steep 0.5 - 2 g (about 1tsp.) of dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and cool. For anxiety, drink 3 to 4 cups per day. For insomnia, drink one cup an hour before going to bed.

Fluid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 10 - 30 drops, three times a day

Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 10 - 60 drops, three times a day

So you're ready purchase some passionflower.  Passionflower can be purchased at nearly any herb store, just ask for passionflower and they should have it in dried form or liquid extract.  You can also buy passionflower online, just do a quick Google search to find the many reputable vendors of passionflower

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  The informations provided herein does not constitute medical advice, and is purely for informational purposes.

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