Herbal medicine is becoming less and less ancient folklore and more of a useful and modern application. The audience of using plants as remedies is broadening in its scope and taking a deeper root in society with each passing year, as big pharmaceuticals are failing to cash in on their promises for better health. Today we will learn about how you can use the power of the herb passionflower to naturally mitigate one of our top killers, stress!

Finding the Rest in Stress

The toll that stress has taken in our fast-paced, 21st century, profit-driven lives is unprecedented. So much so that, according to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, 1 out of every 8 persons globally is now living with mental distress, as anxiety and depression leads the way. (1) There are many ways that we have learned as a species to cope - caffeine, social media, workaholism - but none of these are so comely and gentle as humble herbs for providing true rest.

Self Com-Passion

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a plant native to central and South America that can easily be identified from its 'out of this world' iconic display. It features a unique circumference crown that dazzles the eyes, which supports stamens and pistil that seems almost alien-like. Oh and would you guess, the most delicious fruit beverage is made from its "Maypop" egg-shaped fruit too. (2) Fitly named after the "Passion of Christ", the Spanish conquerors found much in it resembling the final days of the life of Jesus. 

It is generally known, and used for thousands of years, as a nervine and anxiolytic herb. That means it can help arrest your stress and give you rest instead, I know, sounds so relieving eh? Too good to be true? Well, take for instance the 2017 study that showed when extracts were injected into rats their deep sleep time was significantly increased. (3). Another study put the humble de-stressing herb to the task against a leading benzodiazepine for the treatment of GAD symptoms. The results?

"Passiflora extract is an effective drug for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of job performance with Passiflora extract compared to oxazepam is an advantage." (4)

Anti-stimulant

It doesn't stop there. Passionflower can also boast a surprising support in cases of chemical dependency problems. Researchers attempted to reverse the tolerance of several different addictive drugs (nicotine, morphine, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and psychotropic medicines) on their users. It was found that the aromatase-inhibiting enzyme-rich flavanoids (e.g. chrysin) have shown effective to counter the dependency of these mind-altering substances. Mind blowing! (5)

Brain-booster

No one needs to be told that the brain is under heavy assault during seasons of stress. If only something could come to the rescue and alleviate the tension buildup. Enter Passionflower! Scientific studies have isolated the indole alkaloids in this unique plant to hold the ability to boost feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. (6) Moreover, when administered to mice, depression symptoms were eradicated by bolstering up these same natural brain chemicals. (7) Lastly, menopause can no doubt be a stressful season that triggers depression. Thankfully, due to Passionflower's stimulating effects upon GABA receptor sites in the brain, women can transition much smoother into this time. (8)

If you would like to get some natural stress-relief today from whatever life has thrown your way, then consider purchasing our Passionflower-containing blend "Rest & Digest". (Goes best with a little of our Paradise Farms Raw Honey FYI!)

Rest & Digest (1/4lb) Bulk

If you wish to reach out to us, call us at (289) 522-0202 or drop an email at hello@paradisefields.ca.

Blog By: Yafet Tegene

Sources:

1 - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

2 - https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/passion-flower/

3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29410738/

4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11679026/

5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14690874/

6 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5328930/

7 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23702036/

8 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5265922/

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