Passionflower, that goes with the botanical name Passiflora incarnarta, belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is a climbing vine that thrives in tropical climate and sunny surroundings. A native to the Central and South America, the name of this beautiful flower is attributed to an amazing story in the history.

In Christian theology, the passion in passionflower refers to the passion of Jesus. During the 15th century, Christian missionaries adopted physical structures of this plant as symbols of the last days of Jesus, especially during his crucifixion. Later, Spanish explorers discovered benefits of this beautiful flower, which was brought to Europe, cultivated and used in European medicine. Blooming in hues of white, purple, pink and blue, it is a saucer shaped flower, sometimes cylindrical or even trumpet shaped. The juicy passion fruit also comes from the same plant.

Also read: Passion Fruit: Include This Nutrition Powerhouse In Your Diet

With over 500 known species of the plant, passionflower offers many health and skin benefits. Consisting of many constituents including flavonoids, maltol, indole alkaloids and chrysin, it has been extensively used as a herbal sedative in ancient medicines owing to its anxiolytic and calming effects. Passion flower has gained popularity as a calming herb to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria. Besides, it is widely recommended herbal supplement for heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Hidden Health Wonders of Passionflower:

Treats Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Passionflower has been found to be beneficial in treating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. This magical flower increases gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain thus reducing activity in the central nervous system. It results in relaxation, enhanced mood and better sleep. Moreover, it does not have potent side effects compared to other sedatives.

Soothes Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are dilated, enlarged blood vessels located in the wall of lower rectum and anus. These swollen vessels are caused by an increase in pressure. Passionflower extracts can be applied to the skin to ease pain and cramps.

Treats Erectile Dysfunction 

Chrysin, also called 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, is one of the key ingredients found in passion flowers. Chrysin is a flavonoid compound that can stop the conversion and breakdown of testosterone and is beneficial in erectile dysfunction.

Reduces Narcotic Detoxification

Research suggests that consuming passionflower extract reduces anxiety symptoms in people undergoing narcotic withdrawal and detoxification programs.

Foray into this infographic for 5 fabulous beauty benefits of passion flower