Skip to content
Fast & Free Delivery over $45 How fast will I receive my order? ZIP Code: - Receive it More Info

Passionflower 101

2 Min Read
Passionflower
Updated on September 25, 2018

Passionflower has charmed, soothed and nourished indigenous populations across the American continent for eons, yet it is only in the past few hundred years that this enchanting herb has become a mainstay of Western Herbalism. Native to the Southeastern United States, Central America and South America, this perennial climbing vine and its stunning, exotic, fringed blooms present more than just a pretty face. Passionflower’s ability to soothe the nervous system, ease anxious minds, and promote a good night’s sleep have earned it an international reputation, making it an ideal active ingredient in both our Nighty Night® and Nighty Night® Extra with Valerian teas.*

There are approximately 700 species in the Passifloraceae family, with up to 60 species used for food, including the exotic and delicious passionfruit, sought the world over for its rich, sweet juice. But it is one of the genus’ most medicinal plants, Passiflora incarnata, which Western herbalists use the most. Growing wild on the edge of fields, roads, and forests, this sun-loving vine thrives in hot climates and well-drained soils like those in its native Southeast. For those who find it in nature, don’t be surprised to see it surrounded by ants, who love its sugary nectar. The ants will protect this food source at any price, and often kill off predatory caterpillars and their eggs, preventing them from eating the plant’s leaves.

Passionflower infographic

In the pre-Columbian era, Native American tribes of the Southeast used passionflower both medicinally and as food. The Cherokee people have traditionally boiled and fried the young shoots, mixing them with other edible greens, while also using the plant topically as a poultice. The Spanish missionaries and other European settlers promoted passionflower as a medicinal herb throughout their migrations, and by the 18th century, the plant had gained such wide recognition that botanists began singing its praises around the world.

Passionflower has earned different names throughout history. One of its early names among the Powhatan people of Virginia was mahcawq, which is thought to have evolved to “maycock” or “maypop”—the name also given to the plant’s small fruits. But it was the Spanish missionaries who looked at the structure of the plant’s bloom and gave it the name “passionflower,” after the passion of Christ. They found a parallel between the plant’s five stamens and the five wounds of Christ. The three styles reminded them of the three nails Jesus endured on the cross, and the flower’s white and purple colors were thought to symbolize purity and heaven.

While certainly divine, passionflower’s power resides in a range of beneficial compounds, which have a gentle sedative effect on the body. Known as a nervine in herbalism, or an herb that supports the nervous system, passionflower soothes the nerves, promotes relaxation and rest, and helps ease anxious minds to get some well-needed sleep.*

In our modern age, when stress and poor sleep hygiene contribute to so many health issues, tapping into such gentle, time-tested, ancient herbal wisdom can make a positive impact on our daily wellness. If you aren’t yet familiar with passionflower, we encourage you to get it to know it. Gentle, soothing, and totally nurturing, passionflower is the sweet lullaby of the herbal world.

You Might Also Enjoy

Shop All
Popular
Nighty Night Extra<sup>®</sup> Tea New look but same trusted formula for nighty night extra lemon balm & valerian

Nighty Night Extra® Tea

This blend will help you mellow out and relax with extra help from valerian root in our strongest sleep formula
Popular
nighty night 3d front facing box Nighty-Night-new-look

Nighty Night® Tea

This blend helps you relax and get a good night’s sleep

Cold Care P.M.® Tea

This blend promotes a good night's sleep and supports respiratory health

Related Articles

View All

Earth Based Living with Dr. Jacqui Wilkins

Dr. Jacqui, ND, is a mixed Indigenous Yakama, Irish, and Eastern European Naturopathic Doctor, plant medicine person, birth worker, teacher, medicine maker, mama, and steward of the earth. She tends...

Herbal Basics: Adaptogens 101

We can all agree that sometimes our natural rhythm falls out of step. We live in a world where it is easy to take on too much, flaring up stress,...

Dandelion Date Shake

By Sarah Kate Benjamin of The Kosmic Kitchen If you've never had a date shake you're in for a real Southern California treat. Invented in the 1930's by a date...

A Conversation with Nioma Narissa Sadler: Empowering Women and Transforming Communities

Author: Jules Benefico Join us for an insightful conversation with Nioma Narissa Sadler, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, and Goodwill Ambassador at Traditional Medicinals®. Nioma is not only...

Voices Are For Using, Not Losing™: Get to know Jake & Shelby Singer/Songwriter Duo

Jake & Shelby, the dynamic pop duo aged 18 and 19, are rapidly climbing the music charts with their mature and fresh sound, drawing inspiration from John Mayer, Madison Cunningham,...

Identity Herbalism with Erin Masako Wilkins of Herb Folk Medicine

Erin Masako Wilkins is an Asian American herbalist and acupuncturist. She has been a practicing herbalist for over a decade specializing in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. She aims to...

Celebrating the Holidays and the Planet

Tis the season of green! We are proud to announce that we at Traditional Medicinals have joined forces with the Environmental Media Association (EMA), using our voices to elevate eco-consciousness...

Q&A with Rosemary Gladstar, “Godmother of Modern Herbalism” and Traditional Medicinals Co-Founder

Photo taken by Danielle Cohen Meet Rosemary Gladstar, known as the godmother of modern herbalism, she has captivated a global audience with her wealth of knowledge and passion for herbal...

Voices are for Using, Not Losing™: Tips from a Celebrity Voice Coach

Meet RAab Stevenson, singer, songwriter, vocal coach, arranger, producer, artist and developer. Robert “RAab” Stevenson has worked with some of the most famous voices and producers heard on pop radio...

How Tea can Protect Ecosystems: FairWild collection with the BBC Storyworks Commercial Production

Climate change is altering landscapes. It’s harming global ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Over 40% of medicines found in western pharmacies are derived from plants, many of...

3 Herbal Hacks for Mental Health

Big emotions are often natural reactions to very real challenges. Occasional stress, overwhelm and stretches of melancholy can feel scary. And yet, you’re not alone. We’ve all had seasons of...

Nighty Night® Night Cap

At the end of the day, we’re all looking to slip peacefully into a restful sleep, but sometimes it can be hard getting there. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help...