Passionflower
This excellent herb is used throughout South America as a calming agent and is even present in sodas. In fact, when one is anxious, it is not uncommon for their friends to tell them "why don’t you go get a passion flower drink." In addition to being used in the treatment of muscle spasms, herbalists have also used it to treat colic, dysentery, diarrhea, anxiety, and menstrual pain. A number of studies support its having a calming effect. Early data also suggests that it may increase men’s libidos. The active component is in the leaves.36 Passionflower has other pain management benefits as well. In one animal study, it was shown to decrease morphine tolerance and withdrawal, thereby improving morphine’s effectiveness and safety.37
References
36Cronin, J.R. “Passionflower—Reigniting Male Libido and Other Potential Uses.” Alternative and Complementary Therapies, April 2003. pp 89 – 92.
37Dhawan, K., et al. “Reversal of Morphine Tolerance and Dependence by Passiflora Incarnata.” Pharmaceutical Biology, 2002; 40 (8): 576 – 580.
