Anxiety is a common struggle in this day and age with our fast-paced world, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, burning the candle at both ends. While there are many approaches to managing anxiety including healing the gut due to the gut-brain axis, nature offers us a gentle ally: passionflower.
Known for its calming properties, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to soothe the mind and ease anxious feelings. The main actions of passionflower include: sedative, anxiolytic (reduces anxiety and reducing restlessness), and anodyne (reduces pain). Therefore, can suit a number of situations but is best at immediately calming anxiety and panic attacks. Since it is also a sedative, can assist with insomnia, especially due to racing thoughts.
In fact there was research carried out on the long term use of passionflower on individuals with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and in the long-term individuals showed significant reduction in anxiety with the effects comparable to oxazepam.
But what makes this botanical wonder so effective? Let’s dive into the science and benefits of passionflower.
How Passionflower Eases Anxiety
1️⃣ Calms the Nervous System
Passionflower is renowned for its ability to promote relaxation. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and reduce overactive nerve activity. By calming an overstimulated nervous system, passionflower can ease symptoms like restlessness, racing thoughts, and tension. This in turn can assist with panic attacks and restlessness.
2️⃣ Supports Sleep Quality
Anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with sleep disturbances. Passionflower’s calming effects can help you drift off to a more restorative sleep. Double-blind randomised clinical control trials have proven passionflowers ability to assist with sleep even just after 2 weeks, especially in the measure of total sleep. It also increases slow wave sleep (SWS) and reducing the time to fall asleep.
3️⃣ Gentle Yet Powerful
Unlike some conventional treatments, passionflower is gentle on the body and unlikely to cause drowsiness or dependency. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a natural solution without harsh side effects.
How to Use Passionflower
Passionflower can be enjoyed in several forms, depending on your preference and needs:
🍵 Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of passionflower tea can be a comforting addition to your evening wind-down routine which will have a mild effect.
🌿 Tinctures: For a more concentrated and stronger dose, a liquid extract of passionflower can be added to water or taken directly under the tongue for quick relief. There are glycetract options for children. A naturopath or herbalist can prescribe these herbs.
Who Should Use Passionflower?
Passionflower is generally safe for most people. Therefore, it can be used by anyone including children, teens and adults. To be avoided in pregnancy due to possible indications it can cause uterine contractions.
Enhancing Your Anxiety-Relief Plan
While passionflower is a wonderful tool, it works best when combined with a holistic approach to managing anxiety. Consider pairing it with mindfulness practices, gut-brain balance, balanced nutrition, regular movement, and support from a practitioner.
Why Choose Nature for Anxiety?
Anxiety is a sign that your body and mind need care and attention, not just suppression of symptoms. Passionflower offers a gentle, natural way to address the root causes of anxiety while supporting your overall well-being. It helps bring the body back to homeostasis therefore, you won't need the herb long term. Also, when taking drugs such as SSRIs when coming off these drugs there can be a rebound effect leaving your anxiety worse than previously. This does not happen with passionflower or other natural herbal remedies.
If anxiety has been taking a toll on your life, consider giving passionflower a try. This botanical gem might just be the saving grace you need to find your calm again. 🌸
Have questions about how to use passionflower for anxiety? If you need personalised help with anxiety book for a consult below.
Sources:
PMID: 31714321
PMID: 29410738
PMID: 38646244
Comments