Passion flower
Passion Flower
Passion Flower (Passiflora), pronounced as /ˈpæʃən ˌflaʊər/, is a genus of about 550 species of flowering plants, the type genus of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly vines, with some being shrubs, and a few species being herbaceous. The name "Passion Flower" refers to the passion of Jesus in Christian theology.
Etymology
The name Passiflora comes from the Latin words passio meaning "passion" and flos meaning "flower". Spanish Christian missionaries adopted the unique physical structures of this plant, particularly the numbers of its various flower parts, as symbols of the last days of Jesus and especially his crucifixion.
Species
The Passiflora genus includes over 550 species, some of which are noted for their ornamental flowers. Others are cultivated for their edible fruits, and a number of species have traditional uses in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Uses
Passion Flower is used for sleep problems (insomnia), gastrointestinal (GI) upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and relieving symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal. Passion Flower extracts have shown promise in treating anxiety, insomnia, and certain forms of pain because it may increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood.
Related Terms
- Passiflora edulis: The species of Passion Flower that produces the passion fruit.
- Passiflora incarnata: A species of Passion Flower also known as maypop, used for medicinal purposes.
- Passiflora alata: A species of Passion Flower known as the winged-stem passion flower, used for its ornamental value.
- Passiflora caerulea: A species of Passion Flower known as the blue passionflower, used for its ornamental value.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Passion flower
- Wikipedia's article - Passion flower
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