Supplement Facts: Passion Flower
Passion flower is a flower plant found worldwide aside from Europe and Antarctica. Passiflora Incarnata, or Maypop, is a species of Passionflower (there are many) located primarily in the southeastern United States. It is a key ingredient in the SleepSmart complex.
There is a misconception that Passion flower gets its name for having qualities of an aphrodisiac. The name actually derives from the Passion of Christ on the cross. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish Christian missionaries discovered this flower and adopted its unique physical structures as symbols of Crucifixion. For example: the radial filaments which can number more than a hundred and vary from flower to flower represent the Crown of Thorns. The ten petals and sepals represent the ten faithful apostles. The top 3 stigmata represent the 3 nails and the lower 5 anthers represent the 5 wounds.
Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. It is non-addictive and promotes relaxation. The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia. Research had indicated that passion flower has a complex activity on the central nervous system which is responsible for its overall tranquilizing effects.
