Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Passifloraceae ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Passiflora incarnata, which originated in North America, is the most common variety used in contemporary Western phytotherapy. This species, commonly known by the English name maypop, is native to the south-eastern United States, but is also cultivated in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, both as an ornamental and  as a medicinal plant. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Leaf, whole plant ^[1]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Nervine
• Hypnotic
• Antispasmodic
• Anodyne
• Hypotensive
• Anti-inflammatory ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Tachycardia
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension
• Nervous tension
• Nerve pain
• Shingles
• Asthma ^{[1, 2]}
6. Plant Constituents:
• Alkaloids (harmine, harmalol), flavonoids ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous, cardiovascular, muscular ^[2]  
8. Energetics:
• Heavy, slow, cool, dull ^[3]
9. Safety:
• No contraindications known; Harmine may be a uterine stimulant so do not overuse in pregnancy. ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• Can potentiate the effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (sedative drugs). ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried plant parts are green, stemmy, and smell almost like teriyaki sauce. I think this is because it reminds me of pineapple but has some spicy notes to it at the same time.
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 1-4 mL, taken once in the evening for sleeplessness, or 2x/day for other indications.
• Hot Infusion: 1 cup boiling water poured over 1 tsp dried herb and infuse for 15 mins. Same dosage (in cups) as tincture.  ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• I made a tea with the passionflower. Once brewed, I realize it is not sweet at all. It's reminiscent of hay-water, and doesn't taste like much. It's not pleasant, I'd definitely need to mix this with other herbs to drink it again. I do feel like it helped with the tachycardia I experience when I don't take my beta-blocker! Passiflora works with the GABA system (CNS-inhibitor, helps transition alcoholics off drinking). Can work well for clients who have very physical anxiety.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: SP-18_MW5123-A Botanicals 3: Pregnancy.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.

Linden

Tilia spp

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Tiliaceae, a subfamily of Malvaceae, the mallow family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• “Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees, or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. In the British Isles they are commonly called lime trees, or lime bushes, although they are not closely related to the tree that produces the lime fruit. Other names include linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species.” ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Flower ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Nervine
• Mild sedative
• Cardiotonic
• Antispasmodic
• Peripheral vasodilator
• Hypotensive
• Diaphoretic (reduces fever)
• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Nervous tension
• Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Migraine
• Cough
• Fever due to cold or flu ^[1,2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Volatile oil, flavonoids, mucilage, phenolic acids, tannins ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary ^[2]  
8. Energetics:
• Bitter, cooling, moistening ^[1]
9. Safety:
• No contraindications known. ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried Linden we were given is pale green (leaves) and brown (blossoms) and has been ground down until semi-course. The smell is very mild, I can’t put my finger on what it reminds me of – I think it is honey! It is slightly sweet but sour-smelling too.
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2.5 - 5 mL 3x/day
• Hot Infusion: 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp blossoms, infuse in a covered container for 10 mins and drink 3x/day. ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• I made a tea with the linden blossoms. To me, it just tastes like normal green tea. It is very mild, and a little sour. I will try to remember to make a stronger batch than I usually do, to increase the flavor. It's pleasant but not memorable for me. This herb would be indicated for a client with upward-trending BP or white-coat hypertension.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: SP-18_MW5123-A Botanicals 3: Pregnancy.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.