© Curtis's Botanical Magazine, Plate 3697 (1839) · Public domain · Commons
Passionflower
CautionPassionsblume · (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower family (Passifloraceae)
Description
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine native to the south-eastern United States, ascending several metres by means of axillary tendrils. Its alternate leaves are deeply three- to five-lobed with finely serrate margins. The plant is distinguished by its striking flower, bearing about ten whitish petals topped by a dense corona of thread-like, blue-to-purple banded filaments. The dried aerial parts (Passiflorae herba) are used, traditionally for nervous restlessness and difficulty falling asleep.
🌿 Risk of confusion — read before wild-harvesting!
IMPORTANT: Passionflower may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery — affected users should not drive or use machines. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult a doctor. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established — use is therefore not recommended. Not for children under 12 due to lack of data. Use only true Passiflora incarnata (do not confuse with other Passiflora species).
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Not for children under 12 due to lack of data.
Calming tea for nervous restlessness and as a gentle aid to falling asleep.
Preparation & dosage
INFUSION: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 1–2 g of the comminuted herb, cover, steep and strain. One to four times daily; for sleep, one cup about half an hour to an hour before bedtime. To relieve mild symptoms of mental stress (nervous restlessness) and to aid sleep. The EMA monograph specifies no fixed steeping time — 5–10 minutes is customary. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult a doctor.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 4×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Not for children under 12 due to lack of data.
Sources: [1]
Concentrated calming form for travel use.
Preparation & dosage
LIQUID EXTRACT/TINCTURE: Depending on the preparation (e.g. extract 1:8 with 25% ethanol) 2–4 ml single dose, up to four times daily in a little water. A concentrated form for nervous tension. Due to the alcohol, not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with liver disease.
- Liquid amount
- 2–4 ml
- Doses per day
- 4×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Alcohol-containing extracts only for adults from 18 years.
Sources: [1]
IMPORTANT: Passionflower may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery — affected users should not drive or use machines. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult a doctor. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established — use is therefore not recommended. Not for children under 12 due to lack of data. Use only true Passiflora incarnata (do not confuse with other Passiflora species).
Safety not established — not recommended during pregnancy.
Insufficient data — not recommended during lactation.
Not for children under 12 due to lack of data.
Drug interactions
Beruhigungs- und Schlafmittel / zentral dämpfende Substanzen
The calming effect may theoretically add to that of sedatives. The EMA monograph itself reports no interactions — this caution is general.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to passionflower.
- Children under 12 years.
Harvested part: flowering and fruiting herb
- Time of day:
- In the morning once the dew has dried, during flowering and early fruiting.
- Drying:
- Dry the cut aerial parts airy and shaded at moderate warmth; avoid direct sun to preserve the flavonoids.
- Storage:
- 12 months — Store dry, cool and protected from light in well-sealed containers.
- C-Glykosylflavone (Vitexin, Isovitexin)FlavonoidAerial parts
Key marker compounds of passionflower herb; used for pharmaceutical identification.
- Weitere C-Glykosylflavone (Orientin, Isoorientin, Schaftosid)FlavonoidAerial parts
Characteristic accompanying flavonoids of the species.
- β-Carbolin-Alkaloide (Harman, Harmin — Spuren)AlkaloidAerial parts
Present only in trace amounts; of no practical significance at medicinal doses.
- MaltolOtherAerial parts
An aromatic γ-pyranone discussed in connection with sedative activity.
- [1]MonographCommunity herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herba (EMA/HMPC/669740/2013)(accessed: 2026-06-10)
- [2]WikipediaFleischfarbene Passionsblume — Wikipedia (DE)(accessed: 2026-06-10)
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as: