PASSION FLOWER 

This incredible eye-catching plant features a purple starburst flower that resembles a floral firework. Unfortunately, these showy flowers only last 24 hours. But the stress-busting power of passion flower extract lasts much longer. 

There are hundreds of Passiflora species, but the one most popular for medicinal use is P. incarnata, also called the purple passion flower, true passion flower, or maypop. While many passion flowers are tropical plants, this fast-growing vine grows wild in many parts of the southeastern United States. 

Passion flower is most commonly used to treat conditions associated with nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia due to stress and tension. Many clinical trials have looked at the anti-anxiety effect of passion flower, especially when combined with other herbs with similar effects. It is known to have sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. It is particularly helpful for those who feel weak and exhausted from stress—North America’s number-one silent killer. 

Passion flower is a mild sedative that doesn’t cause the same “hangover” side effects most pharmaceutical drugs do. If you suffer from anxiety doctors commonly prescribe a drug called benzodiazapene. In a study comparing the two remedies, passion flower extract seems to work at least as well and also didn’t cause impairment of work like benzodiazapene did. If you regularly have trouble falling asleep—another issue that impacts workplace performance—passion flower is the herb to take before bed. 

Due to its antispasmodic properties, this herb is also an excellent remedy to counter cramps, spasms, menstrual pain, PMS, and asthma. It may also help those with nerve pain as a result of shingles.