Passion Flower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used traditionally in the Americas and later in Europe as a "calming" herb for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria. It is still used today to treat anxiety and insomnia.

 

Although scientists aren't sure, it is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you more relaxed.

Passionflower tends to have effects that aren't as strong as valerian (Valeriana officinalis) or kava (Piper methysticum), two other herbs used to treat anxiety. Passionflower is often combined with valerian, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), or other calming herbs. Few scientific studies have tested passionflower as a treatment for anxiety or insomnia, however. And because it is often combined with other calming herbs, it is difficult to tell what the effects of passionflower alone might be.