What is Passionflower Tea, What are its Benefits?

Passionflower or “passion flower” tea; It is known for its sedative and insomnia relieving properties. It is mentioned that it is beneficial against many problems such as stress, headache, nervous tension and muscle problems. Its soothing and calming effects are especially preferred… The type used for medicinal purposes does not grow in Turkey. You should take a look at our article before you taste the passionflower tea, which also gives a delicious fruit and has more than 500 species!

What is Passionflower Plant and Flower?

It is known as “passionflower” or “passion flower” in Latin, “passiflora”. There are more than 500 species of the plant, which belongs to the Passifloraceae family. It is a vine or ivy type plant genus.

It mostly grows in the form of shrubs or tending vines. Passiflora has a largely neotropical distribution, unlike the “Passifloraceae” family, which includes older world species such as Adenia.

It is native to the region stretching from the southeastern part of North America to Central and South America. Today it is also grown in Europe. The “Passiflora incarnata” species, whose health benefits are known, does not grow in Turkey. The species grown in Turkey is called “blue passionflower“. This species is not used for medicinal purposes. Although there are many varieties, the most commonly used species for medicinal purposes is Passiflora incarnata.

It grows in clusters about 10 meters long with light green leaves. . It blooms purple-violet flowers with a fringed stem. Between the leaves of the vine, fruits grow. Its fruit is loved all over the world; It is yellow or burgundy, like an egg.

The passion fruit is also known as “passion vine”, “apricot vine”, “Jamaican honeysuckle” or “old vine”. The Latin word “passiflower incarnata” means “true passion”.

It is also called the “pinwheel flower”. Because of its similarity to the clock, it is known as “clock” in Persian.

Passion in the Christian tradition, Hz. It is a term used to describe the final period of Jesus, which includes his crucifixion. For this reason, the name “passion flower” was used by the 15th and 16th century missionaries of Hz. his passion for Jesus; Hz. It is used to refer to the last days of Jesus and his crucifixion.

According to the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, it was believed that the flower grows on the cross. It was also seen as a blessed manifestation of their “Christianizing” mission. The crown of the flower, Hz. represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus; Most flowers are blue and white in color; which is associated with “heaven” and “purity”. The passion flower is also seen as a symbol in some other religions and teachings.

What are the Benefits of Passionflower Tea?

Passionflower tea is a calming tea made from the leaves, flowers and stems of this plant. It is an ideal drink against stress and headaches. Herbal tea, which has a long history, is famous for its soothing and helping to fight pain.

Some types are thought to have medicinal benefits. For example, the strain “Passiflora incarnata” is consumed for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Native Americans used passionflower to treat various ailments. Various forms of the plant have been consumed in the past, especially in burns, wounds, strings and liver problems. Europeans used it against unrest and agitation.

Passionflower tea; It is rich in many components such as sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, vitamins A and C, calcium and magnesium. The leaves and flowers of this nutritious plant provide a number of benefits when made into a tea.

Also; It also contains various flavonoids such as apigenin, orientin, swertiamarin, quercetin, kaempferol, vitexin and chrysin. These phytochemicals, or any combination of them, contribute to the therapeutic effects of passionflower herb. Flavonoids are a large group of phytochemicals that have been analyzed for neuroprotective activity.

The potential benefits of passionflower tea are as follows;

It is calming: The main benefit of this tea is; It relaxes the mind and body, calms the nerves.

It can be helpful in stressful and anxious situations.

Strengthens the nerves: It is an ideal tonic for the nerves. By strengthening the nerves, it improves blood flow to the nerves, reducing anxiety. It can help with mental disorders such as restlessness, anxiety disorders and hysteria. It has also been shown to have effects in mild depression or stress-related disorders.

Relieves insomnia: This herbal tea can overcome insomnia. It helps to get a restful sleep without feeling the drowsiness seen in other calming supplements. By calming the mind, it can prevent night-waking obsessive thoughts.

Reduces Depression: Passionflower tea is a soothing tea against feelings of depression by calming the body and mind. By reducing intense negative thoughts, it relaxes the nerves. It supports the most needed sleep in this case. A doctor should be consulted before using with antidepressants!

It is a pain reliever: Passionflower infusion provides analgesic effects to relieve various pains.

At the same time, positive effects have been seen in fibromyalgia (chronic pain syndrome) conditions without the side effects seen with most sedative drugs.

Reduces the stress of addiction: In cases of cigarette, alcohol, drug or prescription drug addiction, the brain cannot function properly and cannot focus on cases. Fatigue and weakness are seen due to sleep disorders associated with anxiety caused by addiction. Passionflower tea can help soothe uncontrollable urges. It calms the nerves, relieves tremors. It can also prevent possible nausea caused by the tension caused by addiction.

Relaxes the muscles: Passionflower tea; It can help relax muscles, prevent muscle spasms and reduce tension in the body. It may also be particularly helpful for those who have had seizures. Its soothing and antispasmodic effects reduce cramps, helping to heal digestive pains and stress-related intestinal colic. It can also be used in epilepsy with regular treatments.

Improves brain function: May help maintain concentration in hyperactive children or adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This herbal tea is often recommended for calming nervous twitching and agitation. Although it is stated that it can be used against the negative effects of Parkinson’s disease, more scientific research is needed on this subject.

Regulates blood circulation: It can help lower blood pressure by improving blood circulation. The soothing properties of this tea can have effective results, especially against hypertension. This herbal tea; It is recommended in cases of palpitations, irregular heartbeat or tachycardia (heart rate higher than 110). A specialist should be consulted before using with heart medications!

Balances Hormones: It balances estrogen production by increasing excessive testosterone production. This can also be beneficial for men. It can even act as an aphrodisiac. It also soothes premenstrual syndromes (PMS) and menstrual pain in women.

It can regulate the menstrual cycle by providing hormone balance in women. It is also stated to help relieve symptoms such as sweating and mood disorders in women entering menopause.

Also, passionflower tea;

Exhibits mildew or fungicidal antibacterial properties when applied topically.
By cleansing the skin, it can reduce inflammation in conditions such as burns, rashes, skin irritations and swelling.
It is also recommended to clear the herpes epidemic.
Research has shown promising results for treating stomach problems. It has shown positive effects especially for stomach cancer and ulcer.
By increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, it reduces brain activities and supports a comfortable sleep.
People who consumed passionflower tea showed fewer signs of anxiety than those who took a placebo.
In some cough cases, it reveals antitussive (cough medicine) activities without harming the patient.

Important note: More scientific research is needed to prove the benefits and side effects of passionflower tea and other forms on humans!

What are the Side Effects of Passionflower Tea?

Passionflower tea may have benefits against many health problems; but this does not apply to everyone.

Passionflower tea, which is considered milder than most soothing herbal teas; may cause adverse reactions. Consuming this herbal tea for a long time or in large doses can produce depression symptoms in the mind and body.
Also; fatigue, mental confusion and motor coordination difficulties are also associated with high doses.
For use in children, the dosage should be adjusted according to their age and weight. For this, support from a pediatrician should be sought!
Allergic reactions of passionflower tea; It can be in the form of dizziness, confusion, altered consciousness, nausea, vomiting and arrhythmia. In these cases, the consumption of tea should be stopped.
An allergic reaction such as rash and skin irritation may occur if you use this tea topically.
To control allergies, it can be controlled by applying a small amount to the skin.
Passionate tea, which can interact with sedative drugs; In people using these drugs, side effects such as severe drowsiness, desire to sleep, and difficulty in focusing may occur.
Pregnant women are not recommended as it can cause uterine contractions. It is recommended not to use
breastfeeding as there is not enough information about its possible effects.
Because it delays blood clotting with blood thinners, it may cause bleeding risk.
When consumed together with drugs for autoimmune diseases, it can increase the effects of the drug.
In combination with other sedative or antidepressant drugs, it can make mental problems dangerous.
It is not recommended before and after surgery as it increases the risk of hemorrhage (vessel rupture) as well as affecting anesthesia.
Due to the toxic substance called “cyanide glucoside” in its leaves, it is recommended not to consume the tea too much.

How to Brew Passionflower Tea?

The flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are used for passionflower tea.

It is very easy to brew.

To prepare a cup of passionflower tea; You need 1 teaspoon of dried or 1 tablespoon of fresh passionflower and boiled water at 100 degrees.

The following method can be followed to brew the tea;

Boil water at 100 degrees.
Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower per cup.
Pour boiling water over the plant.
Let it brew for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Then strain the tea and serve it.
You can add honey or sugar to sweeten the tea according to preference.
Passionate tea; It can be consumed by mixing with chamomile, lemon balm, valerian or St. John’s Wort teas.
Adding chamomile tea and lemon balm will increase its calming effect.
Valerian tea can moderate its strong aroma.

Note: It is recommended to drink 3 glasses of passionfruit tea a day to calm down and calm the nerves. If you suffer from insomnia, you should drink 1 hour before going to bed!

Useful Information About Passionflower Plant

Passionflower plant has been used by Native Americans for many years as a medicinal plant for its sedative and calming properties.
From the passion fruit tea brought to Europe by the colonists; It has been used to treat insomnia, hysteria, and even epilepsy.
19.It is commonly grown in the Caribbean, South America, Southern Florida and Southern Africa.
Wild maracuja is a fruit of the genus “Passiflora foetida” popular in Southeast Asia.
Passiflora quadrangularis, also known as the “giant granadilla”, can produce fruit the size of a soccer ball. These fruits are used in desserts, juice and medicine.
The edible fruits of the passionflower plant are found in the following species; P. edulis, P. ligularis, P. incarnata, P. foetida, P.caerulea, P. tripartita, P. quadrangularis, P. mollissima, P.laurifolia, P. tarminiana, and P. maliformis…