Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
西番莲
Pinyin: Xī Fān Lián
Plant Family
Passifloraceae
Part Used
Aerial parts (leaves, flowers, stems)
Origin
Southern US, Mexico, Central America
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Passionflower is a climbing vine with beautiful, intricate purple-white flowers. It was used by Native Americans for various ailments and is now a popular herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia. The name "passionflower" was given by Spanish missionaries who saw the flower parts as symbols of the Passion of Christ.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter
Meridians (归经)
heart, liver, nervous system
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Nervous stomach and gastrointestinal upset
- Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, anxiety)
- Pain relief (mild)
- Seizures and hysteria (historical)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Often combined with other calming herbs like valerian, lemon balm, and hops in sleep and anxiety formulas.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-2 tsp dried herb, steeped 10-15 min. Capsules: 300-600mg standardized extract. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. For anxiety: 45 drops of tincture or 400-800mg extract 3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer, when the plant is in flower. Aerial parts are harvested and dried.
Quality Indicators
Green herb with visible flowers and leaves, mild grassy-bitter taste. Standardized extracts may list vitexin or flavonoid content.
Storage
Store dried herb in airtight container in cool, dark place. Shelf life: 1-2 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (uterine stimulant - may cause contractions)BreastfeedingSurgery (discontinue 2 weeks before - sedative effects)Children under 6 (insufficient data)Liver disease (very rare reports of liver toxicity)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe when used as directed
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Nausea and digestive upset
- Rapid heart rate (in sensitive individuals)
- Confusion (in high doses)
- Very rare: liver toxicity (long-term high doses - unconfirmed)
- May cause mental impairment - do not drive or operate machinery
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs - serotonin syndrome risk, though low)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Anticonvulsants
- HIV medications
- Anesthesia (discontinue before surgery)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Valerian Root
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian is a tall perennial herb with pink or white flowers and a strong-smelling root. It is one of the most well-studied herbal sleep aids. Valerian root has been used for centuries in European and Asian medicine as a sedative and calmative. The strong, earthy odor is characteristic.
German Chamomile
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Chamomile is an annual plant with daisy-like white flowers and a sweet, apple-like scent. It is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in the world and one of the oldest documented medicinal plants. Both German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are used medicinally, with German being more common.
Lemon Balm
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Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family with heart-shaped leaves that smell strongly of lemon when crushed. It has been used for over 2,000 years as a calming herb. The botanical name Melissa comes from the Greek word for "bee," as bees are very attracted to its flowers.
Skullcap
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Skullcap is a perennial herb in the mint family with small blue flowers shaped like helmets or skulls. It is one of the most effective nervine herbs in Western herbalism, used for anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. Skullcap is valued for its ability to calm the nervous system without causing drowsiness or intoxication.