Passionflower tea boasts many different benefits including the ability to reduce anxiety, treat sleep disorders, prevent depression, ease menopausal symptoms, stimulate libido, curb drug addiction, heal the skin, and lower blood pressure, among others.
Passionflora incarnata is a traditional herbal sedative, anxiolytic, and a popular sleep aid used for the treatment of sleep disturbance. Several controlled experiments have demonstrated enhanced sleep in laboratory animals, but clinical trials in humans are lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata herbal tea on human sleep, as measured using sleep diaries validated by polysomnography (PSG
Widely known to induce whole body, mind, and spirit calm, the passionflower plant’s name stems from a reference to the Passion of Christ. Though a Spanish doctor in Peru is said to have discovered passionflower in 1569, this remarkable plant eventually found itself in the clutches of Spanish missionaries, who saw in its three stigmas, five stamens, and ten sepals an actual representation of Jesus’ crucifixion. As a plant, passionflower is classified as a perennial climbing vine with beautiful white and lavender color flowers, but as a tea, passionflower boasts a clean and amber-like color with a rich, savory, earthy flavor that is reminiscent of a broth. Though this herbal tea does not need sweetening, it does pair well with milk, honey, or sugar for added flavor. Passion Flower Tea is known to relieve symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and menopause, eliminate inflammation, and act as a relaxant and antidepressant. Plus, it’s loaded with phenols and flavonoids and contains tocopherol and ascorbic acid. This organic unadulterated tea is made with no artificial flavors, preservatives, additives, or GMOs. Packed in bleach-free tea bags, always caffeine-free, enjoy a cup of Passion Flower Tea any time of day! Organic Passion Flower Tea needs a good boil and a steep of 5-8 minutes to extract its full flavor and optimum benefits. Cover the cup while steeping, then remove the teabag, and enjoy! At Buddha Teas, we are all about cleanliness and truth, which is why our teas are crafted without artificial or natural flavorings, using only fresh, pure organic, or sustainability wild harvested ingredients. We start with a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, not using it for profit. Our boxes are even made from 100% recycled material, making our teas as kind to the environment as they are to you.
What is Passionflower Tea?
The primary species used to make passionflower tea is taxonomically known as Passiflora incarnata, but there are more than 500 different species of passionflowers and vines that grow around the world. The plant is also known commonly as maypop. Passionflower tea has been used in North and South America for centuries, but was eventually introduced to European markets and is now globally sought after.
The flowers, leaves, and stems of this plant are all good for different medicinal applications, but the tea is brewed specifically with the leaves. Most of the health benefits of passionflower tea are the result of significant levels of harmine, flavonoids, and organic acids, such as linolenic, palmitic and myristic acid, as well as various amino acids, coumarins, and other antioxidants. [rx]
What is Passionflower Tea Good For?
Passionflower tea is good for treating insomnia, anxiety, addiction, high blood pressure, eczema, psoriasis, depression, menopause, menstrual discomfort, infertility, and other inflammatory conditions.
Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause can be a difficult and stressful time in life, resulting in mood swings, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and sleeplessness. The sedative and soothing effects of passionflower tea can help balance your neurotransmitters, and also stimulate the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is known to improve mood and regulate hormones. [rx]
Chronic Stress and Depression
The phytochemicals and alkaloids found in passionflower tea, such as quercetin and kaempferol, are known to improve mood and reduce levels of stress hormones in the body. This can keep you feeling energized and positive, relieving feelings of stress and anxiety. [rx]
Skin Conditions
Traditional use of passionflower tea includes its application for rashes, burns, irritation or inflammation of the skin. This can come in many forms, from eczema and psoriasis to acne, burns, and allergic reactions. The topical application of this tea is not common, but a powerful brew can have notable effects in treating these conditions. [rx]
Inflammation
Reducing inflammation throughout the body is what many organic acids and antioxidants are best at, and the compounds found in passionflower tea are no exception. This tea has long been recommended for joint disorders and arthritis, as well as gout, hemorrhoids, and inflammation of the gut. These soothing active ingredients can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, as well as chronic inflammation caused by free radical activity. [rx]
Sex Drive
If you want to increase your libido, this tea might be the secret, as it can increase the production of testosterone in the body, giving men a reproductive boost, not only increase sex drive but also virility and fertility.
Heart Health
The blood pressure-lowering qualities of passionflower tea are well known and are the result of a specific antioxidant compound known as idyllic acid. By treating hypertension, this tea can help prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease, and generally, reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system. This effect can also help relieve headaches and migraines, by reducing the pressure and inflammation in capillaries near the temples. [rx]
Sleep Disorders
This herbal tea has long been used to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia or restlessness at night. By impacting the neurotransmitter levels in the brain with flavonoids and other phytochemicals, you can enjoy a full night of undisturbed sleep and a refreshed feeling in the morning! [rx]
Curb Addiction
Some people have turned to passionflower tea to curb drug addiction, by soothing the symptoms of withdrawal, improving mood and reducing anxiety. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence points to passionflower tea’s ability to reduce nicotine cravings, making it important for those trying to quit smoking. [rx]
How Do You Make Passionflower Tea?
If you want to brew passionflower tea at home, all you need is dried or fresh passionflower leaves and hot water, in addition to any sweeteners you may desire. Dried leaves can either be crushed into a powder to infuse in the tea, or the leaves can be placed in an infuser or tea strainer. Fresh leaves can also be used to brew this tea, in which case about a 1/4 cup of the leaves is required for a strong brew.
Calming Passionflower Tea Recipe
- Course: Tea
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: Passionflower Tea
- Appliance: Tea Strainer, Teapot
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 5 grams powdered dried passionflower leaves or
- 1/4 cup fresh passionflower leaves
- 2 cups water filtered
- honey optional
Instructions
-
Add the powdered passionflower leaves to a stainless steel pot.
-
Add water and bring the water up to a boil. Let the leaves simmer for 10 minutes. If you want the tea stronger, let it simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and cool, then strain the tea into a teapot or mug.
-
Add honey or sugar, if desired, and enjoy!
-
You may notice that some sediment from the powder will be at the bottom of the cup, which is normal.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects have been rarely reported for passionflower but may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and mental slowing. When taking passionflower, make sure you don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
In general, passionflower is considered safe and nontoxic.2 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Most herbs and supplements are not thoroughly tested, and there is no guarantee regarding the ingredients or safety of the products.
Dosage and Preparation
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of passionflower in children. In addition, it is important to stress that these dosages are not prescriptions, but merely suggested guidelines.
- Infusions: 2.5 grams, 3 to 4 times daily
- Teas: Tea made from 4 to 8 grams of dried herb, daily2
- Liquid extract: 10 to 30 drops, 3 times daily
- Tincture: 10 to 60 drops, 3 times daily
The same advice applies when using passionflower as does for any natural supplement: Read the product label and discuss with a doctor or other medical provider what dosage is suitable for you and your specific medical needs. Be sure to tell them of any other medications you’re taking or remedies you’re using, even if only occasionally.
As with most herbal remedies or other medications, it’s not a good idea to take passionflower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As with any herbal remedy, there is always the possibility of interaction between passionflower and other treatments or medications.
There’s a fairly comprehensive list of medications known to have possible interactions with passionflower. These include antihistamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and narcotics. In addition, any antidepressant has the potential to interfere with its potency as well.
Take care if you are taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, as these have been shown to have possible passionflower interactions.3 Other herbal remedies that may cause issues with passionflower are kava and valerian root. Finally, substances like alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin may not mix well with passionflower usage.
To sum up, the standard caveats apply to passionflower that applies to any other new medication or treatment: If you are already taking or planning to take another medication or supplement, consult with a qualified healthcare provider about potential interactions.
Side Effects of Passionflower Tea
For all the benefits of this herbal tea, there are also quite a few side effects, including vomiting, nausea, stomach upset, cognitive distress, drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, hypotension, and muscle spasms. However, these side effects are rare, and mainly affect people allergic to members of the Passiflora genus, or people who consume an excessive amount of this tea.
While most of these side effects are the result of drinking an excessive amount of this tea, you should still monitor your use and reaction to this tea carefully. [rx]
- Pregnancy: One of the stimulant properties of this powerful tea affects uterine contractions, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women, and can even result in miscarriages or premature labor. Breastfeeding women are also advised not to consume this beverage, as it can pass along potent chemicals to their child.
- Cognitive Confusion: Common side effects of drinking large quantities of passionflower tea include dizziness, lack of coordination, mental confusion, and anxiety. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and avoid operating motor vehicles or taking any physical risks.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, bloating and cramping have been reported when high levels of this tea are consumed, as the active components can cause inflammation in the gut.
- Blood Pressure: Being able to lower blood pressure is a benefit to heart health, but in combination with other blood pressure-lowering medications, it can be dangerous, resulting in fainting, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and muscle weakness.
- Sedation: The sedative properties of this tea are highly praised, but they can also cause negative reactions with certain medications, such as anti-depressant, antispasmodic, and anti-anxiety medications, resulting in highly intensified sedative effects. If you are prescribed any of these medications, speak with your doctor before adding passionflower tea to your daily or weekly health regimen.
From Where To Buy
- Ingredients: Organic Passion Flower
- Steeping Instructions - This tea best extracts in water with temperatures of 205°-212° F. Allow the tea to steep for 3-6 minutes for a full, flavorful cup.
- High quality, fresh herbs and tea leaves are important for experiencing the true taste of tea. Buddha Teas crafts all teas from fresh, organic or wild harvested plants that have been gathered and packaged with conscious care.
- The tea bags used are made from the cellulose fibers of the abaca plant and are 100% bleach-free.
- Buddha Teas’ “Tea for Trees” campaign creates a sustainable model that restores one of our most precious resources while offsetting the paper used in our products. We’ve partnered with the National Forest Foundation to support their campaign to plant 50 million trees in our National Forests.
References
