The passion flower or flower of passion is a plant widely used for its sedative and soothing effects, which are helpful to treat sleep disorders like insomnia and to relieve stress or nervousness. Its properties are well known today and we can obtain them to our benefit by preparing a simple infusion. The passion flower stands out for its peculiar flower and can reach great lengths, climbing and growing rapidly. It gives us the possibility of treating different conditions in a completely natural way, thus avoiding the side effects that drugs imply. If you want to know what passionflower is for , in this FastlyHealarticle we explain the properties of this plant.
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Passiflora caerulea
Passionflower is a perennial plant of the passionflower family and grows in Central America, although it is cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental plant due to its flowers. It is a climbing liana and can reach 9 meters in length, climbing with the help of its tendrils and growing rapidly. The passion flower stands out for its large flowers , and it is precisely these that give it its name, since a relationship was established between the interior drawing of the corolla and the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ. In 1959, the Spanish conquerors found this plant in Peru and interpreted this resemblance with a signal to the approval of its exports.
Passionflower is known for its fruit , the granadilla, which is yellow in color and takes on an orange hue when ripe. This plant is rich in mucilages, alkaloids and flavonoids, among others, which give it different properties.
Relaxing properties
One of the most widespread uses of passionflower and for which this plant is best known is its ability to act on different nervous manifestations. In this way, we can benefit from the natural properties of passionflower and avoid the use of drugs with chemical components, which usually have side effects.
The sedative properties of passionflower help calm nerves and relax the body, so it is helpful for people who tend to be nervous or excited states. Likewise, the passion flower has been used as a medicinal plant to sleep , since it facilitates the disappearance of insomnia thanks to the alkaloids and flavonoies, which help to improve the quality of sleep. Along the same lines, we can also use it as a natural antidepressant .
On the other hand, its calming properties are indicated to deal with nervous system problems and other physical symptoms resulting from some emotional states. Thus, passionflower also serves to relieve headaches and migraines , as well as different conditions that are the result of nervous problems, such as nocturnal enuresis, arrhythmias, nausea, or nervous dyspnea.
Antispasmodic properties
Another of the passionflower properties for which this plant is known is its help to prevent involuntary spasms that take place when the nervous system is subjected to stress, among which are intestinal spasms, such as cramps. In addition, it can also be used to treat muscle spasms and menstrual pain. For this, it is advisable to prepare an infusion of passionflower and take it about 2 times a day.
The passion flower can be used to lower blood pressure , so it can be indicated in cases of hypertension, in addition to other conditions of the circulatory system.
The fruit of the passionflower
Passionflower has a fruit known as granadilla , which looks similar to pomegranates. These fruits are edible, although they must be eaten when they are ripe, since otherwise they can be toxic. The properties of the passionflower fruit are the same as those of its plant, with the difference that its consumption is different. These are the different fruits of the passionflower family:
- Granadilla . It can reach the size of a melon and is usually consumed as jam.
- Passionfruit . Originally from Brazil, we must distinguish between two types: purple passion flower or purple passionflower and yellow passionflower, whose cultivation is more extensive than the first.
- Scarlet passionflower . It stands out for its large flowers that can reach up to 10 cm and its strawberry-flavored fruits.
The passion fruit or passion fruit can be consumed raw or through a juice. It is rich in iron, phosphorus and calcium, as well as vitamins A, B, C and a substance called niacin, recommended for treating cholesterol . Also, as it is low in fat, it is recommended to incorporate it into weight loss diets.
Side effects and contraindications
Passionflower is a safe plant that can be easily consumed through an infusion. However, it should not be mixed with medications and a specialist should be consulted in case of detecting a health problem. It should not be consumed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding . Some of the side effects of passionflower are:
- Dizziness
- Inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Numbness
- Vomiting
- Confusion.
Passionflower can be purchased at health food stores and other specialized stores. Ask about its consumption, dosage and other aspects to ensure adequate consumption.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.