Passionflower

Passiflora is one of the most recognizable medicinals. It has no look-alikes (I mean....one of a kind right?).

I most often choose to formulate with this plant when people are feeling like they're wired and tired, having circular thoughts that feel a bit "intense", having difficulty with ruminating, and are feeling keyed-up or wound-up and anxious.

I always enjoy when science substantiates what herbalist call specific indications. These are statements like the ones I made above that seem to typify the experience of the person we think would benefit most from a plant.

Passion Flower has been found in multiple studies to provide GABA‐ergic modulation.

This is where it gets real science-y. You can skip this part if you want....

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Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in central nervous system function. GABA receptors are found in every region of the human brain and up to 40% of all synapses in the CNS have receptor sites for GABA.

Because of this the GABA-nergic systems  are implicit in a many neurological functions such as motor function, sleep, pain, anxiety, sleep, and brain development.

Issues with the GABA system and it's inhibitory role in neuro-excitation can contribute to schizophrenia, insomnia, movement disorders, seizures, and anxiety.

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Needless to say herbalist have been using passion flower for anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, and hormonal related neuro-excitation (think PMS, and the menopause) for a long time and it's action on the GABA-nergic system makes complete sense.

So, keep your eyes peeled for this beauty and make yourself some tea. Just chop some of the leaves, vines, or flowers into small pieces and place a small handful into your cup, pour boiling water over the herb and let it sit for 20 minutes. Drink and enjoy.

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