Purple passionflower, also known as maypop, is a common wildflower from the Passiflora family of plants, of which there are 500 known species. Native Americans have used many of these plants for treating a variety of health conditions, including boils, wounds, earaches, and liver problems. Purple passionflower, in particular, is one of many herbs that can have a positive impact on both the chronic and acute forms of anxiety. (Related: Herbs for anxiety: Experts share the science behind some that are most effective.)
Studies suggest that purple passionflower can help calm the mind. It can do this by seemingly boosting the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a person's brain. GABA is a compound that lowers brain activity, which in turn helps a person relax. The calming effects of purple passionflower can be experienced in as little as 30 minutes.
One study found that it was successful in reducing anxiety after it was administered to patients who were about to undergo surgery and patients who were feeling anxious. After 30 minutes, it was observed that the patients who were given purple passionflower were significantly less anxious than the ones who were administered a placebo.
A separate study analyzed the effects of purple passionflower on patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers concluded that purple passionflower was as effective as the prescription drug benzodiazepine oxazepam in reducing anxiety, but without any of the side effects. The effects of oxazepam were exhibited more quickly than the effects of the purple passionflower, but the oxazepam caused unwanted drowsiness during the day. In contrast, the patients who took purple passionflower did not experience any feelings of sedation or reduced muscle function.
There are many ways to take purple passionflower to help alleviate anxiety and other health conditions. Here are just a few of the ideal ways to use purple passionflower and reap its medicinal benefits:
Learn more about other herbs and herbal remedies by going to Herbs.news.
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