Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora spp. flowers are one of nature’s most imaginative expressions. The first time I saw a picture of one, in one of Sam Thayer’s books, I could hardly believe it was real. (Check out this gorgeous photo, and this one , and this one too).
All parts of the plant are medicinal. Since they are no longer flowering, I harvested the leaves and stems. At home I cut the leaves up further with a pair of scissors and poured them into a small glass jar, filling it to the top. I then poured Everclear halfway to the top and then added tap water to the rest. This is a simple and easy way to make a 1:2 ratio extract using a menstruum with approximately 50% alcohol.
Passionflower is also known as maypop, and it has an edible fleshy fruit: passionfruit, high in beta carotene and niacin, according to Steve Brill. I would like to taste it but haven’t yet.
Other medicinal uses for passionflower include calming hyperactive children, soothing nervous headaches, treating neuralgia, lowering blood pressure, and controlling spasms (whether hiccups, coughs, or, reportedly, even epilepsy). The Cherokee use a tea of the root to help wean babies.
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Thanks for the passionflower insomnia advice, I look forward to trying it!
While I have had good insomnia-managing & active mind-calming results from Chinese herbs as well as Ayurvedic tea (I make “Vata” tea by simmering ginger root, cinnamon sticks, cardamon seeds and licorice root in a pot for 5 mins– Take during the day, or as needed in the middle of the night!), I would much prefer to use herbs that actually grow in the Pacific NW.
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You’ve never tried Passionfruit? They are one of the best fruits ever!!! Eat them by themselves or scoop out their insides and drizzle over your favorite dessert. Yum yum yum
Reblogged this on Puijos Living LOVE and commented:
This woman is wonderfull, ddiskovering the beauty of the nature and the edible nd healing treasure its hidden in. This post is flowering on the passionflower the flower with a lot of passion for soothing and rest. lovely to share.
Thank you!
I planted a passionflower this spring. It flowered early and then just finished another flower cycle. I believe it may have to do with water and heat. Thank you for the information.
Thanks, Linda!
great post and useful too