The Passionflower was given its name by the Spanish Explorers who likened the flower’s corona to the crown of thrones worn by Christ during his crucifixion.  The plant can be found growing throughout the southeastern parts of the Americas where it prized not only for its beauty but also for its edible fruit. The plant is a climbing vine and the flowers are white with sepals that range in color from magenta to blue.

The flowers themselves have been used by the native people of the Americas to treat a number of different nervous disorders including anxiety, insomnia, seizures and hysteria. It was later transplanted in Europe where it was combined with other calming herbs like valerian and lemon balm in order to produce a calming effect. Researchers believe that the key to its effectiveness is the flowers ability to increase the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain which helps lower the activity of brain cells allowing for a better state of relaxation. Because of the mild effects of the passionflower, it seems to work better in conjunction with other calming herbs. In another scientific study, researchers have claimed that the plant works as well as oxasepam in helping to relieve generalized anxiety disorder. However, more long term studies are needed to verify its effectiveness. 

Opiate Withdrawal

In another double blind study, passionflower has been shown to help mental symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal when used in conjunction with a clonidine based therapy. This is attributed to the calming effect the plant has the brain. The plant is also found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and passiflorine which actually have a similar make up to opiates but without the addictive qualities. Since, clonidine only helps alleviate the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal, passionflowers role in opiate withdrawal is very promising.

Where you can find it

Because of its ability to relieve stress and anxiety and to mimic opiates, passionflower is now being used alongside other herbal remedies to help ease the effects of opiate withdrawal. For example, it is one of the main ingredients in Withdrawal Ease: the herbal supplement designed specially to help people get off of opiate based medications. 
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