PASSION FLOWER: EASING YOUR WAY TO RESTFUL SLEEP

A beautiful climbing plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, Passion Flower was introduced to Europe from the Americas by the Spanish in the 16th century. From the outset, it was recognized for its remarkable tranquilizing and sedative properties.

Leading herbalist David Hoffmann points out that, “Passion Flower is the herb of choice for intransigent insomnia. It eases the transition into restful sleep without causing any next-day hangover.” (1)

A recent review study summarizes the scientific research that has confirmed the striking effectiveness of Passion Flower:

“To date, three human trials have documented the efficacy of Passion Flower as a treatment for anxiety-related disorders. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study analyzed the difference in efficacy between oxazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat chronic anxiety symptoms, and Passion Flower in patients (n = 36) who met the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The results showed no difference between the two anxiolytics with regard to the treatment of GAD, suggesting that Passion Flower is as effective as benzodiazepines in eliminating anxiety symptoms. Subjects from the Passion Flower group also reported lower job impairment performance than those in the benzodiazepine group… This anxiolytic effect was also seen in two other [studies].”(2)

Health Canada has given its formal approval to St. Francis Herb Farm’s product, “Passion Flower” (NPN 80021930)

(1) David Hoffmann, Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2003, p. 570.
(2) Shaheen E Lakhan and Karen F Vieira, “Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review”, Nutrition Journal 2010 October 7, accessed online August 8, 2011 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2959081/?tool=pubmed