Passion Flower Tea Recipe

Passion flower tea is an effective mind and body relaxer that can help you fall asleep more easily and stay sleep throughout the night. Although the mechanism by which passion flower works its magic is not fully understood, research suggests the chemical compounds apigenin and chrysin in the passion flower plant are responsible for, or contribute to, it relaxing effects. These compounds are thought to influence the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and sleep. 

Passion Flower Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried passion flower leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 8 oz.  boiling water
• Honey (optional)
• Lemon (optional)

Directions

1. Steep passion flower for *10 minutes.
2. Strain
3. Enjoy

*The potential effects of this tea will increase the longer it steeps. Adjust the steeping time as you become more familiar with how your body reacts. For the best results, take passion flower tea about an hour before bedtime and limit yourself to one cup within a 24 hour period.

Caution: Passion flower (Passiflora incarnate)  should not be ingested by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. Don’t take passion flower if you are on anti-anxiety or anti-depression medication. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how your body will react. Some people have reported an inability to concentrate after taking this herbal tea, so reserve using it until bedtime or until you know you won't be called upon to perform any activities that require a high degree of focus.

Special note:  If you grow lemon balm, it's a sleep aid too, and makes a nice add-on ingredient in the tea.  It also contributes a pleasant aroma.

For more information on growing and using passion flower.  Visit my post: How to Grow Passion flower