Passiflora incarnata
Originating from Central and South America, South East Asia and the Pacific regions. There are more than 500 species of this plant from vines to shrubs and even trees all producing the most beautiful exotic flowers.
The name 'passion flower' refers to the passion of Jesus, the plant therefore has a particular relevance at Easter. Spanish Christian missionaries adopted the unique structure of the plant as a symbol of the last days of Jesus and especially his crucifixion.
Passionflower has been used in traditional herbal medicine as a calming herb for anxiety and insomnia, many of today's herbal sleep remedies contain this herb.
The flavonoid passiflorine has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe irritated skin. Passionflower also offers cleansing and gentle astringent properties that detoxify and clarify the skin.
I use a certified organic, biodynamic, UK grown Passionflower vine to produce my in-house hand-crafted infused oils and a herbalist made Passionflower tincture.
