Passion flower is a popular herb that provides various health benefits and can take the place of many chemical drugs. Its primary use is to sedate and tranquilize safely and naturally, providing relief from tension and calming nerves without the dangerous side effect of lowering the rate of breathing (which is prevalent in chemical sedatives). The benefits of passion flower largely stem from its high concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids.
Passion Flower as a Pain Reliever
Headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps and other discomforts can all be relieved with passion flower. Especially for intense and sudden pain that may cause nerve reactions, this herb is very effective. Breathing too quickly combined with rushes of adrenaline from extreme pain could cause one to black out.
Relief From Withdrawal
Due to the sedative power of this herb, it can be used to suppress the processes in the brain that cause symptoms when suffering from drug withdrawal. Heightened nerves, irritability, and constant stress can all be regulated, even when brought on by morphine and similar opiates.
Natural Sleep Aid
Extracts and tea made from passion flower benefits the user by acting as a potent sleep aid. It is safe to use for those who simply have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, especially when used in smaller doses. In more concentrated doses it can even be used to treat clinical insomnia.
Controlling Blood Pressure
When lipids are oxidized in the body, they become dangerous to one’s health. They can be broken down and expelled from the body through the use of an antioxidant that is produced at greater rates when passion flower is consumed. Concentrated forms of this herb, such as in pill-based extracts, are far more effective in this regard.
General Anxiety Control
As mentioned previously, one of the most popular benefits of this herb is that it has the power to reduce anxiety problems. It may also result in overall calmness, but unlike most anxiety medication, it will not result in prolonged drowsiness. It is also effective at controlling anxiety disorders.
Menopausal Relief
For women experiencing menopause, passion flower may be used to lessen various uncomfortable symptoms within as little as three weeks of beginning a supplement or extract regimen. For those who medically can not take hormone regulating drugs or supplements, this acts as a viable natural alternative with far less of a risk to develop problems. It is also known to improve the effect of other related drugs, such as St. John’s Wort which works as an antidepressant.
Potential Negative Reactions
As with all herbs, drugs, and supplements, consuming excessive amounts of passion flower can result in toxicity in the bloodstream. In such an event, negative symptoms can begin to develop. Additionally, some people have allergic reactions to this herb, while others simply do not respond well to its medicinal properties. It may not be for everyone, and it is always best to begin taking any herbal product in light doses to ensure no allergies are present. Consult with your doctor prior to using this herb.
Excessive Drowsiness
While one of the main benefits of passion flower is that it does not induce lasting drowsiness despite its effect as a sleep aid and nerve relaxer, some people may have a negative reaction to the herb that does exactly this. It is actually rather common for this to happen when larger doses are taken, so it can be avoided by diluting whatever form you ingest with liquid or food.
Thin Blood
Except for those who suffer from excessive or blood clots, passion flower can cause blood thinning problems. Excessive consumption can result in uncontrollable bleeding from even the slightest cuts. If you are taking any other blood thinners or have naturally thin blood, it is not advised to consume this herb in any of its forms.
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