Passion flower also known as Passiflora incarnata or Maypop is a climbing vine that grows throughout the world. Passion flower is native to south eastern United States, North, Central and South America. The flowers, leaves, and stem of passion flowers are good to treat many medicinal problems such as insomnia, lower blood pressure, inflammation, heart problems, anxiety, stimulates libido, menopausal symptoms, depression, and many skin conditions. This recipe focuses on the benefits of passion flower tea and the method of preparation.
How to consume passion flower
Dried passion flowers are available in many health food stores, prepare herbal tea and drink. You can also grow the plant in your homes. These flowers can be made into a tea.
Health benefits of passion flower tea
Passion flower tea is a wonderful home remedy to treat anxiety, menopause, insomnia, eczema, psoriasis, infertility, depression, menstrual discomfort, addiction, high blood pressure and many other health conditions.
Eases Menopause
The common menopausal symptoms are fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation, dry skin, moodiness, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, early awakening or insomnia. The alkaloids called chrysin and benzoflavone presents in passion flower increases GABA (Gamma Amino-butyric Acid) in the brain, this amino acid is one of the inhibitory neurotransmitters, which is used by the brain to prevent over-excitement and attain balance. “Iran Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research” conducted a study and found that passion flower improves depression and other symptoms of menopause including insomnia, headache and anger. (1)
Antioxidant rich and Anti-inflammatory
Passion flower is considered as a powerful antioxidant due to the presence of antioxidant compounds such as kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, vitexin, isovitexin, luteolin, glycosides, and apigenin. Not only these, it also contains maltol, indole alkaloids, gum, traces of volatile oils, sugars, and fatty acids.(2)
Also, one more compound called quercetin has been found to be very effective in clear out the body of damaging free radical molecules, and it protects the body from various enzymes that cause inflammation.
Insomnia
Passion flower tea is a gentle anti-anxiety and mildly sedative herb and has long been used as a home remedy to treat sleep disorders like insomnia or restlessness at night (3). The increased level of gamma amino-butyric acid, flavonoids and other phytochemicals can induce sleep and reduce anxiety associated with insomnia.
Lowers blood pressure
Studies have that consuming passion flower tea can help reduce high blood
pressure(hypertension). Drinking a cup of passion flower tea daily one
time regulates blood pressure level in people with mild hypertension (4). The antioxidant compound called edulilic acid is the main cause for lowering blood pressure. Also, this tea can help prevent heart attack, stroke
coronary disease, and atherosclerosis.
Skin conditions
Passion flower extract is considered great for keeping the skin looking firm and youthful. Regular application of passion flower extract reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and keeps the skin smooth and plump. It soothes itchy, dry and irritated skin and moisturizes skin without clogging pores. Traditionally, the passion flower extract had been applied for rashes, irritations, burns, or inflammation of the skin. These skin issues
can come in different forms from eczema and psoriasis and allergic
reactions.
Sex drive
Passion flower tea is a natural sex stimulating drink that contains a well known natural chemical called chrysin which automatically boosts sexual desire. It also helps relieve stress and tension. Passion flower tea increases the production of testosterone in the body, increases the production of red blood cells and sperm in men.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Researchers hypothesized that passion flower tea would be beneficial for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (5). Passion flower lowers some symptoms associated with ADHD in children ages 6 to 13 years when it consuming for 8 weeks.
Side effects of passion flower tea
One of the energizing properties of passion flower tea disturbs uterine contractions, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women, it may even result in miscarriage or premature labor.
Passion flower is not suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as it can pass along powerful chemicals to their younger one.
Consuming excessive amount of passion flower tea can result in gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, cognitive distress, dizziness,
stomach upset, drowsiness and so on. The mild sedative properties of passion flower are highly praised, but it can cause negative reactions with certain medications, such as anti-anxiety, anti-spasmodic, and anti-depressant medications. If you are taking any of these medicines, better consult doctor before adding passion flower tea to your daily schedule.
Ingredients
- 2 flowers Passion flower
- 4-5 leaves Holy Basil Commonly called Tulsi
- 300 ml Water
- 1 teaspoon Honey Preferably, raw honey
Instructions
- We will be using fresh passion flowers in this recipe to make the tea. You can also use dried passion flowers instead. We will also use leaves of Holy Basil, water and honey.
- Place the petals of passion flower in a teapot infuser.
- Pour boiling hot water on the flower.
- Cover with a lid and allow to steep.
- Remove the lid.
- In a glass jar, place a few Holy Basil leaves.
- Pour the hot tea over the leaves. Cover and let it steep for about ten minutes.
- Now add honey. Remember - wait for a while and then add honey. It is ideal to add honey when the tea is warm and not hot.
- The tea is now done.
