As is true of many medicinal plants, Native Americans were early adoptees of the Passion flower as a sacred herb. In the Pre-Columbian era, Native Americans used the Mahcawq plant, as it was then called for both food and medicine. It was centuries later when Spanish missionaries who believed the Mahcawq to symbolize the passion of the Christ, renamed it Passion flower. Some today refer to the Passion flower as Maypop, which may be a derivation of its original name.
The real benefit of the Passion flower is found in its sedative qualities. The Cherokee tribe in particular, are known to have used this plant to reduce symptoms of high blood pressure and anxiety. As the Passion flower appears to boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain, it may lower brain activity and assist in alleviating insomnia.
Up to 800 mg daily of a dried alcoholic extract of passionflower has been used with apparent safety in studies lasting up to 8 weeks.
Passion flower can also be smoked either by itself as a tobacco substitute or in tandem with cannabis to balance out high-THC strains. The flavor of the Passion flower is also said to pair nicely with spicy strains.
As is the case with all of our posts, this post does not provide medical advice. Our content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis, or medical treatment. Please discuss any possible drug interactions with your medical professional.
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