Sixteenth-century Spanish explorers learned of passionflower in Peru. Native peoples of the Americas used passionflower as a mild sedative. Today, passionflower is used as a dietary supplement for anxiety and sleep problems, as well as for pain, heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can be applied to the skin for burns and to treat hemorrhoids.
The story of how passion flower got its name stems from 1569, when a Spanish doctor, Nicolas Monardes ‘discovered’ this plant in Peru. It eventually made it into the hands of Spanish missionaries who saw the flower as a physical representation of the crucifixion of Christ. The three stigmas represented the ‘nails of crucifixion’, the coronal filaments were the ‘crown of thorns’, the five stamens were the wounds, and the ten sepals were representative of ten of the disciples (Judas and Peter got left out due to their overall poor behavior).
May cause drowsiness.
Legalese: This product is not intended to treat or cure any disease or dysfunction. Combining some herbal products with prescription or over the counter drugs may not be advised. Always consult your healthcare professional. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. Discontinue use if you experience any difficulty breathing, hives, or skin irritation. Not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing, or for children under age 18.
Bring filtered or spring water to 212°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 7 minutes.