Passionflower Tea

Benefits

• Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to promote relaxation.
• Traditionally used to help relieve mild nervous tension and restlessness.
• May help promote restful sleep.
• Traditionally used to help relieve mild stress and worry.
• May help support a calm mood in times of everyday stress.
• Traditionally used to assist with winding down in the evening.

What people commonly use it for

• Mild stress and nervous tension (Some clinical studies suggest passionflower helps feelings of calm)
• Occasional sleeplessness (Some clinical studies suggest it may improve sleep quality)
• Racing thoughts at bedtime (Traditional use)
• Restlessness (Traditional use)
• Feeling tense before events (Early research only)

Suggested to use alongside

• Lemon balm: Traditional calming herb often combined with passionflower
• Magnesium: Mineral that supports a healthy nervous system
• Chamomile tea: Gentle evening herbal tea to wind down

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) contains flavonoids such as vitexin, isovitexin and apigenin, along with small amounts of alkaloids called harmala alkaloids, and maltol. The exact active compounds are not fully understood, and the whole plant extract probably works through several pathways.

GABA activity. GABA is the main calming neurotransmitter in the brain. Laboratory studies suggest passionflower compounds may increase GABA availability or influence GABA receptors, which would be consistent with its relaxing effect. Apigenin, also found in chamomile, binds to benzodiazepine sites on GABA-A receptors, though weakly.

Human studies. A small trial of passionflower tea found that healthy adults reported better sleep quality compared with placebo (Ngan and Conduit, Phytotherapy Research, 2011). Other small trials have looked at passionflower for feelings of tension, but studies are generally short and varied in design.

Forms. Different parts of the plant, mainly the aerial parts, are used. Dried herb, liquid extracts and standardised extracts are all used. Liquid extracts are fast-acting, while teas offer a gentle evening ritual.

Passionflower has a long tradition of use in Western herbal medicine for nervous tension and sleeplessness (Examine.com).

• Form: Tea

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Supplier ref: Passionflower Tea- Relaxation Support

What is passionflower used for?

Passionflower is traditionally used to promote relaxation, ease mild nervous tension and support restful sleep.

When is the best time to take passionflower?

For sleep, take it 30 to 60 minutes before bed. For daytime calm, smaller doses can be taken during the day.

Will passionflower make me drowsy?

It can cause mild drowsiness in some people, so take care before driving until you know how it affects you.

Can I take passionflower with valerian or lemon balm?

These herbs are often combined in traditional blends. Check the product label and speak to your health professional if you take sedatives.

How long does passionflower take to work?

Some people feel calmer within an hour. Sleep benefits are often seen after one to two weeks.

Can I drink passionflower tea every day?

Yes, a cup or two in the evening is traditional. For longer-term use, ask your health professional.

May cause drowsiness. Avoid in pregnancy, as it may stimulate the uterus, and take care when combined with sedatives, sleeping tablets or alcohol. Stop use before surgery and speak to your health professional if you take regular medication.

This product comes from a smaller independent supplier. Supporting small and family-owned makers is a big part of what we do.

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