Formally called Passiflora incarnata and Passiflora caerulea, passionflower is also known as  Apricot Vine and Maypop. This climbing vine is a native of Central America, Mexico and southern Texas. In the right conditions, these vines can grow to over 30 feet in length. Off the vine grows 3-lobed leaves, beautiful purple flowers and an ovular fruit that is orange to yellow in color.

The three constituents that make passionflower a powerful medicinal herb are:

·           Chrysin;

·           Harmane;

·           Harmaline.;

Passionflower leaves and stems are dried and used to create teas, tinctures and encapsulations. Also, they are used for relaxing bath additives. They need to be stored at temperatures below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Passionflower stems and leaves should also be used within 6 months or discarded.

You can use passionflower leaves, stems and powders for all of the following health benefits:

·           Use as a calming sleep inducer;

·           A relaxing agent for muscle tension;

·           Lessening anxiety;

·           Lowering blood pressure;

·           Stimulating the release of testosterone;

·           Treatment for nausea, especially when recovering from addictions to cocaine, heroin, vicodin or other opiate-based painkillers;

·           Treatment for alcohol withdrawal;

·           Easing nerve pain caused by post-herpetic neuralgia;

·           Relief of pain from shingle outbreaks;

·           and more!

Men who have gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) that is caused by excessive estrogen should avoid the use of passionflower. Pregnant women should also avoid the usage of passionflower as it acts to stimulate uterine contractions.