What Is Passion Flower Herb?
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), also called maypop or purple passionflower, is a fast-growing climbing vine native to the southeastern United States. It climbs with curling tendrils and carries some of the most intricate flowers in the plant world: lavender-white petals crowned with a fringe of wavy purple filaments.
The name passion flower comes from 16th century Spanish missionaries in the Americas, who saw symbols of the Passion of Christ in the flower’s structure. The common name maypop comes from the egg-shaped fruits, which pop when stepped on.
The leaves, stems and flowers of Passiflora incarnata have a long history of use by Native American peoples and in European and American herbal traditions. In herbal trade the dried herb is known as Passiflorae herba.
Brewed as a tea, passion flower gives a light green-gold cup with a mild, grassy and slightly earthy taste. It is a popular evening tea, often enjoyed on its own or blended with chamomile, lemon balm, lavender or linden. It is also a beautiful garden vine that attracts bees and butterflies.
Our passion flower herb contains only dried Passiflora incarnata with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Passion Flower Herb
- Herbal tea: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons (about 1.5 to 2.5 g) per cup (8 fl oz / 250 ml). Pour over boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
- Evening blend: Mix with chamomile, lemon balm, lavender or linden.
- Tincture: Herbalists macerate the dried herb in alcohol or glycerin for several weeks.
Safety
Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing. Do not combine with alcohol or sedative medication, and avoid before driving if you notice drowsiness. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to brew passion flower tea: our guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Passiflora incarnata herb?
Most people brew it as a tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped for about 10 minutes.
Is this the passion fruit plant?
No. Passion fruit usually comes from Passiflora edulis. This is Passiflora incarnata, the maypop.
What does passion flower tea taste like?
It is mild, green and grassy, with a slightly earthy note.
Is passion flower tea caffeine free?
Yes. It contains no caffeine.
How should I store passion flower herb?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
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