Passion Flower (passiflora incarnata) is an exotic looking flower, and it is used as a calming herb, despite it’s name. Passion Flower was named after the Passion of Christ because the flower seemed to have symbols of the crucifixion. It is a very useful herb, and can be taken as a pill, tincture, or infusion (tea).

Passion flower is most commonly used as an anti-anxiety herb. It has a soothing sedative effect. It can also be used for problems with insomnia. It has been used to help with seizures, lower blood pressure and to relieve muscle tension as well. It also works well as a cough suppressant, relaxing the muscles of the throat. Which makes it wonderful to take before bed if you have a cough and want to be able to take a break from coughing and get some sleep.

Passion flower has been used as a calming herb and sleep aid for over 200 years. One scientific study found passion flower as effective as oxazepam for treating general anxiety. It is approved by the German Commission E for use as a treatment for nervousness and insomnia. Passion flower is considered safe when used in moderation, however it may interact with prescription medications, specifically sedatives, blood thinners, and MAO inhibitors. It can increase the effects of these drugs.

Another common name for Passion Flower is Maypop. It can be found growing wild in certain areas in the Southeastern United States. Passion flower can be grown in a garden or as a houseplant. It grows on vines that can reach 15 feet in a season. There are many kinds of passion flower plants. If you decide to cultivate your own for medicinal uses, make sure you are growing the correct type. Passion flower would be a beautiful addition to any garden, but for those without green thumbs, it can also be bought in capsules, tinctures, and teas.

Insomnia is a common problem in this day and age. There are many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications for this issue, but most have side effects or can cause a dependency. Herbal alternatives have minimal side effects and are less likely to be habit forming. The following are just some of the herbal remedies available for insomnia.

Valerian
Valerian is the most common herb suggested for insomnia. It makes a person feel tired and relaxed. It doesn’t force a person to go to sleep the way a sleeping pill does. It just makes you want to sleep, and helps you fall asleep easily. Valerian can be found in almost any store where vitamins and herbs are sold. The herb has an unpleasant smell, which is normal. Valerian is also a muscle relaxant.

Passion Flower
Passion flower also calms a person without forcing them to go to sleep. It is a relaxing herb. It calms the mind and makes a person feel tired. It also relaxes muscle spasms, which is why it is also used as a cough suppressant.

Hops
Hops has a sedative effect. It is good for nervousness and worry. It relaxes the mind. It is very helpful for insomnia. It has a bitter flavor.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a relaxing herb. It has a gentle effect. It brings on a feeling of sleepiness, and calms the mind. It is also used as a headache remedy.

The above herbs can be used in combination with each other, but it’s a good idea when first trying herbs to try them one at a time, so you know which herb has which effect on you. The above herbs should not be taken in combination with any over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription sleep aids, however. You should also not try to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking an herbal sleep aid. Drowsiness could impair your judgment and coordination.