In 060482.366, several herbs used in Mexican traditional medicine are discussed including chamomile (manzanilla), peppermint, prickly pear cactus, creosote bush, mullein, dandelion, linden, and aloe. Many of these herbs have either digestive or sedative properties.

Along with chamomile and linden, passionflower has traditionally been used for problems involving anxiety, nervousness, depression, and insomnia. Including the other uses mentioned in the HerbClip, passionflower has been traditional used to increase urination, lower blood pressure, expel worms, reduce spasms and convulsions, calm coughs, and relieve pain. As the name might imply, passionflower has also been used as an aphrodisiac.

Passion fruit is one of the most delectable treats and is made into sherbets, jams, and jellies as well as juiced. I was introduced to the juice while in Peru three years ago and have wished since then that I could find it in the US. Fortunately, Santa Cruz Organic® has introduced an Organic Passionfruit Nectar in 2008. The beautiful flower, which comes in a variety of colors but usually has several petals with tendrils in a different color on top of the petals, another color for the center, and protruding stamen and stigmas, is thought by some to provide the name.

The above ground parts, flower, stem, and leaves, are all used for medicinal purposes. Although available in capsules, tinctures, and tablets, the dried aerial parts can also be made into a tea and drunk two to three times daily. The bruised leaves can also be applied topically to skin bruises. In Germany, passionflower must be composed of the whole or cut dried aerial parts and collected during the flowering and fruiting period to be considered pharmacopeial grade, according to the German Commission E.

Lori Glenn, Managing Editor