I just recently accquired a "stash" of passiflora leaves vines, plants, ect. I'm trying to root a lot of the plants, and the rest I'm going to dry to make a tea out of. I have 2 varieties, P. Caerulea and P. Incarnata (native here in Sothern Illinois). Has anyone tried this before? I've done my research and it shows that many Native American tribes took advantage of this plant's properties. It even used to be listed in the American Medical Archives until 1978 when nobody spoke up for the plant so it's no longer listed. It even has a chemical in it distinct only to the passion flower family called passiflorine. I'm just wondering if any body out there has tried this a sedative or something and what their results were. I'm very curious about this, so please share what you know!
Thanks!
Passiflora as a Nerve Tonic
Passiflora is a nervine that slows the pulse and sedades. It is used for treating nervous restlessness and, especially, insomnia.
The leaves and flowers (especially the buds) are the parts used. Passionflower combines readily with other herbs, such as valerian.
For a relaxing tea that relieves stress and helps you sleep, combine equal parts of passionflower, jasmine, and chamommile. Pour one cup boiling water over 1 tbls. of the combines herbs and let steep 15 minutes.
P. incarnata is the medicinal plant.
Passiflora application is as a tincture of the fresh herb, tincture of the dry herb, or as a tea.