Passionflower is a plant named after the Crucifixion of Jesus. It grows in many parts of the world that have tropical climate.

According to one story, European missionaries “discovered” this flowering vine in South America. These Jesuit fathers named it “passiflora,” or Passionflower, because it reminded them of the Biblical accounts of Christ’s Crucifixion.

For instance, the small bluish-purple tendrils reminded them of the Crown of Thorns. There are 10 leaves on the flower, which, to the Jesuits, meant the 10 faithful Apostles on Good Friday. Judas had betrayed Jesus, and Peter, who later became the first Pope of the Catholic Church, denied knowing him.

Passionflower for Anxiety

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For centuries, the Passionflower has been used to treat various nervous conditions, such as nervousness and insomnia. It contains natural sedatives that help relax the nervous system, without the side effects of anti-anxiety medication. Nowadays, you can find organic passionflower supplements in health food stores and online.

This herb was brought back to the Old World, where it became just as popular among Europeans as it was among the Native Americans.

Once again, Passionflower is being discovered for its ability to soothe the mind. It has a widespread reputation among traditional healers as being a very effective natural anti-stress remedy. This is something that’s now being confirmed by modern scientific investigations.

Passionflower probably increases the brain’s level of a compound known as gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This natural chemical helps power down neurotransmitters that can increase nervousness.

Does Passionflower Reduce Anxiety?

The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that one study showed passionflower to be as effective as one drug often prescribed for anxiety. However, the study design, without a control group, made the findings not conclusive. Other researchers believe that passion flower is able to lower blood pressure.

Oftentimes, an herbal supplement will have far-ranging effects, beyond the purpose it was originally taken for. It’s these positive “side effects” that set botanical medicine apart from pharmaceutical interventions.

Please understand I’m not a doctor. So I can’t give medical advice. Nor can I make any claims a particular remedy will help you. But I can share my personal story in how I use herbal medicine to help my health.

Where to Buy Organic Passionflower

There are some excellent herbal formulas on the market that aren’t certified organic. But, whenever possible, it’s a good idea to choose a brand that’s either organically grown or one that’s derived from plants that are wildcrafted.

Aside from the obvious reason of wanting to avoid pesticide residue, there’s also some evidence that chemical insecticides make plants switch off certain beneficial compounds they naturally produce. Some of these compounds contain powerful cancer-fighting agents.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest Passionflower capsules are certified organic and also made without genetically modified ingredients. These capsules are also totally vegetarian.

Organic Passionflower Capsules

These are whole herb capsules, as opposed to isolated extracts. Herbalists believe we derive the most benefits from supplements made from the entire plant, which contains beneficial substances scientists may not even be aware of, as they haven’t been researched.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest is a family-run company based in Redmond, Oregon. Its organic herbal supplements are all tested for potency. I can very confidently recommend this brand of herbal supplements because I use them myself.

Organic Whole Herb Passionflower

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Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take herbal supplements, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.

I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.