Passionflower

Latin Name: Passiflora incarnata
Herb Class/Action: Nervine
Parts Used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Bitter, sour, sweet
Energetics: Cool, perhaps mildly drying
Traditional Benefits: Nervous system support, sleep support, mood support, stress support, musculoskeletal support, brain support, heart support

Passionflower is a calming, soothing, and grounding herb, often considered medicine for the soul. Its winding tendrils symbolize its capacity to support us during moments of mental or emotional turbulence, particularly when thoughts are spinning in circles.

Though it does not directly affect the physical heart, Passionflower is known as a heart-calming herb in the emotional sense, addressing the concept of “shen” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s especially helpful for individuals who experience “Liver Yang Rising,” a condition where excessive energy rushes upwards, causing emotional disruption and a sense of disconnect.

This herb is ideal for those feeling overwhelmed, restless, or emotionally maxed out—those who experience life deeply and all at once, often leading to an imbalance of Qi due to overload rather than blockage.

The aerial parts of Passionflower (the parts exposed to air) are particularly valued for their ability to calm the nervous system, support sleep, and ground the individual.

Passionflower’s use dates back to the late-1500s, with roots in the Aztec empire. It was later introduced to Europe following the Spanish conquistador era. Dr. Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician working in Peru, is credited with introducing the herb to Western medicine.

Passionflower is recommended for those who need to calm their hearts, ground their emotions, and reconnect with others. As Althea Northage Orr writes, Passionflower helps those who need to “have their hearts calmed and grounded so that they can be connected to others.