Passionflower - (Passiflora incarnata)

Don’t let the name mislead you – passionflower has nothing do to with passion, and everything to do with sleep. This herb, which is native to the southern United States, has been used for over 200 years for its sedating and tranquilizing properties. One of the great characteristics of passionflower is that it will help you sleep without giving you the groggy feeling that is typical of many sleeping medications.

How to Use: This herb can be drunk as a tea in the evening (one or two cups, prepared as described above.) A tincture is also effective – one to two teaspoons, or two or three capsules.

These herbs have a long history of use as gentle but effective sleep-inducers. Their versatility means that you can combine all three in a tasty tea, or you can choose to try pills or tinctures one by one to find out what is most effective. Whatever herbs you decide to use, hopefully you’ll soon be sleeping sounder, longer and more peacefully.

(The above text was excerpted from “Herbs to Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep”

by Deborah Cooper. To read the full article click here)