Passion
Flower
(Passiflora incarnata) Native Americans record the use of Passion Flower as early as 1610. Early Spanish explorers found Passion Flower in wide use throughout the native culture, and took samples back to Spain when they returned. From there it spread throughout Europe and eventually the world. Passion Flower is plentiful in the nutrient complexes, especially calcium and magnesium. Despite its amorous name, Passion Flower has no aphrodisiacal effects. It is, on the contrary, a popular sedative. Early American settler, Captain John Smith, said that Passion Flower was cultivated by the Indians of Virginia who believed it to "quiet and soothe" the body and assure peaceful rest. During the 19th century, the Eclectics used it as a treatment for many conditions including menstrual cramps and sleeplessness. Today, Passion Flower is used as a muscle relaxant and sedative. It has been known to help calm anxiety, relieve its symptoms (i.e. headaches, muscle spasms etc.) and help you sleep better. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore help relieve the discomforts associated with certain arthritic conditions. *
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