What is Passiflora (Wheels of Fortune), What Does It Do?
The passiflora, a flower native to South America, has been used traditionally to heal wounds since the 16th century. In modern times, it has become widespread as a calming herbal solution against complaints such as stress, anxiety and insomnia. So what is passiflora, what does it do? How and when should it be used?
What is Passiflora?
Passiflora is an ivy climbing flower known as passionflower in Turkish. It grows up to 9 meters in length. It is called ‘Passionflower’ in English. Passiflora is also used as an ornamental plant with its striking and colorful appearance. However, it should be noted that it is sensitive to cold. There are about 500 different species of the Passiflora family. The ‘Passiflora incarnata’ species, which has a soothing effect, grows mostly in South American countries and the south of the USA. Passiflora incarnata makes the brain secrete more of the GABA chemical, and it gets its sedative) effect from this feature.
For this reason, it provides effects such as relaxing, pain relief, muscle relaxant, anxiety reducing and calming. Native Americans used this flower to heal boils, open wounds, earaches, and liver problems. Passiflora, which Spanish explorers learned from Peruvian natives, is more known in the Western world for its calming effect.
What Does Passiflora Do?
When used in the right dose, the known benefits of passiflora are:
Regulates Sleep
Passiflora is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for sleep problems. A study conducted on animals in 2017 scientifically proved its positive effects on sleep patterns. Accordingly, passiflora facilitates falling asleep and prolongs the duration of deep sleep.
Treats Anxiety Disorder
Passiflora is a soothing and calming agent on the central nervous system. It has a calming effect. Not being addicted is one of the reasons why it is preferred in anxiety disorders.
The anti-anxiety and calming effects of passiflora have been proven by a number of studies.
Relieves Negative Effects of Menopause
Passiflora has traditionally been used in South America to reduce the negative effects of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety and insomnia. was also used for the purpose. Studies have found that the use of passiflora incarnata for 3 to 6 weeks significantly alleviates the effects of menopause such as headaches, depression, insomnia and anger.
Epilepsy Treatment
According to a study conducted in 2007, the herb passiflora incarnata may also have positive effects on epilepsy attacks. Although more work is needed in this area, passiflora incarnata is thought to help shorten epileptic attacks and lengthen the time between them.
Antioxidant Effect
Passiflora also contains many antioxidant components. In particular, the quercetin component is very effective in removing free radical molecules that damage cells from the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Passiflora is also thought to act as an anti-inflammatory by reducing inflammation in the body.
However, more research is needed in this area.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Passiflora extract has been found to reduce high blood pressure. According to research, drinking a glass of passiflora tea a day helps to regulate mild high blood pressure. However, it should be noted that people who take blood pressure medication should not consume passiflora without consulting a doctor.
Makes Smoking Easier
The relaxing effect of passiflora on the central nervous system, the deprivation experienced by people trying to quit smoking. relieves symptoms. Thanks to Passiflora, nicotine crises are alleviated. At the same time, the negative effects of nicotine withdrawal on sleep patterns disappear.
Antibacterial Feature
Passiflora plant also acts as an antibacterial when applied externally. It gives shine to the skin; It can treat burns, itching, allergic reactions and cold sores. It can also be applied to remove mold and fungus. South American Indians traditionally applied local treatment on the skin surface with pastes obtained from a mixture of passiflora and water.
Pain Relief
Passiflora is also generally used as a pain reliever. available.
You can also use passiflora against pain that makes it difficult to fall asleep.
Other Uses of Passiflora
In addition to the above traditional effects, passiflora can also be used under the supervision of a doctor for the following purposes: Distractedness treatment for hyperactivity disorder, abnormalities in heart rhythm, digestive problems, hemorrhoids, nerve pains, muscle relaxants, asthma treatment, spasm
How to use Passiflora to support drug and alcohol addiction treatment?
Passiflora can be consumed in many different ways. Dried passiflora leaves can be brewed in the form of tea. Passiflora is also sold in extract, capsule and syrup form. On the other hand, it is also included in some medicines. Passiflora can show its positive effects mostly within 5-6 days, not immediately.
How to Prepare Passiflora Tea?
People who want to brew the dried passiflora plant and consume it in the form of tea should pay attention to the amount. For Passiflora tea, it is sufficient to use 1-2 grams of this herb. After a 15-minute brewing time, passiflora tea relaxes the central nervous system.
It can even be said that it is not a common side effect. However, overdose consumption or mixing with other drugs without consulting a doctor may cause adverse effects: Passiflora should not be used with drugs or alcohol. Overdose may cause nausea, heart palpitations, dizziness and mental confusion. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use passiflora. Passiflora should not be used with blood thinners, blood pressure medication, anticoagulants and antidepressants without consulting a doctor. There is a possibility that Passiflora may cause a decrease in reflexes. For this reason, it is recommended that people who drive vehicles consume this herb carefully. It is recommended that people with liver disease do not use passiflora. Passiflora, which affects the central nervous system, should not be used by patients who will undergo surgery. If you are undergoing a planned surgery, you should share with your doctor that you are using this plant. However, although it is an herbal solution, it is recommended not to give passiflora to your child without consulting a doctor.
How to Grow Passiflora?
Passiflora (passionflower) is a plant native to the temperate climate of South America. sun lover. Although it likes moist and well-drained environments, it is not very picky about soil. However, it does not like calcareous soil. Passiflora blooms very quickly when planted in fertile soils. If you want to get the showy flowers of this plant quickly, it is recommended to feed its soil well. Passiflora needs more water in the summer when it blooms. In winter, it should not be watered with cold water. It should be protected from cold and adverse weather conditions.
