Passion flower is still official in many pharmacopoeias and is always used as a sedative, sleep aid and treatment for anxiety and nervousness.
Passion flower is the first herb that herbalists will prescribe for insomnia. In such cases it is often combined with valerian. Passion flower, like valerian, encourages restful sleep without any of the problems associated with orthodox sedatives, such as the morning 'hang over'.
Passion flower is also an excellent remedy for any anxiety related conditions and is often prescribed for patients who are experiencing the physical symptoms of anxiety such as irritable bowel, breathlessness or palpitations. Along with its anti-anxiety effect the alkaloids are known anti-depressants, gently elevating levels of neuro-transmitters in the brain and balancing mood.
Passiflora is also a useful herb in the management of the pain caused by neuralgia and shingles.
