Passion Flower: Benefits and Properties
Passionflower flower, known as “Passiflora” in Latin, growing in the lands of South Africa and trying to establish itself all over the world, is generally used as an ornamental plant. Only the blue passion flower type of the flower, which likes moist and shady soils, is frequently seen in our country.
It is seen that the passion flower, which has been used for years with its calming effects in traditional medicine methods, is consumed as a beverage or oil according to its type. Passiflora, or passionflower plant, is a flamboyant plant species that differs from other flowers by having many primary colors on it.
It is one of the flowers that has no expectation in terms of plant development characteristics, which can live for many years without the need for sun with its height that can reach up to 10 meters in total. In this respect, ivy can also be preferred as an ornamental plant at home.
Passionflower Flower and Its Properties
With about 500 species known in the world, the passion flower covers one of the flower family that has been the subject of many researches. Native Americans also seem to have used passion flower for insomnia and nervousness. Therefore, there is no harm in consuming the plant.
Uncontrolled or excessive consumption of the plant can trigger nervous conditions such as dizziness and delusions. Pregnant and lactating women are definitely not recommended to use, because of the active ingredients in the flower, it will interact with some drugs, so care should be taken. It is especially recommended not to use those who take antidepressant drugs.
Where Does Passionflower Grow? How is it grown?
Passionflower flower, which is generally found in tropical climates all year, spreads all over the world from America and draws a cheeky plant image. It is also rare for the flower, which tries to cling to its soil and grow, to be affected by any disease.
The passion flower, which has a very solid body, maintains its form throughout the year, which is closely related to its love for its place. It is seen that the plant, which likes moist and permeable soils, adapts to even arid climate over time. Balcony irons, windows and garden fences can be suitable places for passion flower, which has the advantages of growing suitable as a pot and garden plant.
The flower, which can bloom all year in temperate regions, is recommended to be grown indoors in cold regions. Moreover, passion flower care is extremely easy. Even pruning once a year is sufficient. With its structure that can easily adapt to all kinds of soil, the regular growth of the plant shows that it is healthy.
Known for its flamboyant and colorful flowers, the passion flower is mostly surrounded by a blue or violet crown. Even in harsh conditions, its disease-free body can handle the plant down to -10 degrees. Sometimes fruit is expected from the flower, which manages to reveal itself in every environment thanks to its aromatic scent.
Although not all types of fruit are available, it is also frequently used in horticulture as a ground or wall cover. In general, after the passion flower seeds are purchased, they are kept in warm water for 12 hours and left in the ground in winter under greenhouse conditions. In the spring or at the end of summer, the passionflower seedling measuring 12 – 15 cm is collected and planted again by taking it to the place where it belongs. Thus, the flower begins to get used to its growth and conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Passionflower Flower?
Passionflower flower, which has a mysterious image and effects like many medicinal plants in the world, has numerous benefits to the body both externally and internally:
- Passionflower flower, which is effective in general anxiety disorder, has been used for centuries for its calming effects.
- It also contains active ingredients to help relieve pain in the body.
- It is also a good precaution against sudden contractions and cramps in any situation.
- It is one of the types of adjunctive therapy that can also be effective in the preliminary treatment of psychological conditions such as hysteria and delusions.
- It is especially used as a support for the treatment of asthma symptoms.
- It is seen as beneficial in reducing menopausal complaints.
- It is beneficial in terms of hyperactivity and attention deficit problems in children.
- It keeps tension and anxiety away with its narcotic properties.
- It is preferred as one of the natural methods to help regulate heart rhythm disorders.
- It balances blood pressure.
- Its liquid or oil prevents dandruff on the scalp.
- It shows positive effects against insomnia and fatigue problems.
- It is used as a sedative in many countries.
How to Prepare Passionflower Tea? What Is It Good For?
Passiflora has been sold in bottles or tablets since it was discovered in medical treatments. The price of the passion flower, which can be easily found everywhere, is also very affordable. However, if you want to reach the mixtures yourself with natural methods, you can also achieve the desired result by drying the flower parts of the plant in the sun.
In general, it is recommended to drink the tea obtained by brewing 1 teaspoon of dried flowers added to 1 glass of boiled water for 10 minutes, at most 3 times a day for benefits. Drinking the flower as a tea will not only wrap the whole body with relaxing effects, but also soothe nervous conditions and reduce pain. If the water of the flower is applied to the hair by massaging during the bath, you can say goodbye to the dandruff problem and get stronger hair.
It also has an important function in diet lists, as it will provide positive effects for those who have stress problems to benefit from its scent or essence in order to lose weight. The biggest obstacle to losing weight is undoubtedly stress. By preventing stress with passionflower tea, it becomes easier to both relax and relieve edema.
Finally, passion flower can be used by preparing a sitz bath in 200 ml of water for those who do not have advanced hemorrhoids. In short, passion flower benefits serve humanity in a very broad way, just like other plant species.
How to Use Passionflower Oil?
The fruit that occurs in some types of passion flower is called the “maracuja (passion fruit)” fruit. After reaching a certain maturity, the passion fruit can be eaten directly with the help of a spoon by cutting the upper part with a knife, or it can be consumed by using it in cocktails and ice creams. If the seeds in the fruit are ripe, they can be eaten.
The medical world benefits from the passion flower fruit by making syrup. The oil obtained by pressing the fruit gives very good results in the care of skin, hair and nails, and creates positive effects for the mind and body.
Passion fruit, which is seen as an exotic plant, manages to attract the attention of medicine by showing itself in tropical climates. Because, thanks to maracuja, or passion fruit oil, which is a very rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, positive results are seen even in cancer treatment.
The skin-renewing properties of linoleic acid, one of the essential fatty acids in it, are used even in most creams. Passionflower oil helps to renew the skin by protecting the skin against sun rays, aging and blemishes.
The intense vitamin C content in the oil discovered in the flower can make the skin look brighter and more vigorous. For this reason, you can use the flower as tea, water or cream by drying it after you grow it yourself at home. Or you can get positive results by purchasing the oil of passion flower fruits and using the skin applications regularly in a way that suits you.
It is important to consult your doctor before using it, as it may interact with other creams or drugs you use due to compounds such as glycoside, sterol, passiflorin, flavones, vitexin, coumarin in its content. Because not all types have the same effects and features.
