Passionflower
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora), pronounced as /ˈpæʃənˌflaʊər/, is a genus of about 550 species of flowering plants, the type genus of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly vines, with some being shrubs, and a few species being herbaceous. The name "Passionflower" comes from the Latin passio meaning "passion" and flos meaning "flower".
Etymology
The name "Passionflower" was given by Spanish missionaries who saw the flower as a symbol of the Passion of Christ. The various parts of the flower were seen to represent different aspects of the Passion. The five petals and five sepals were the ten apostles (excluding Judas and Peter), the corona represented the crown of thorns, the stigma the three nails, and the five stamens the wounds.
Species
There are many species of Passionflower, some of which include Passiflora edulis, known for its fruit, the passionfruit, and Passiflora incarnata, used in herbal medicine.
Medical Uses
Passionflower has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have calming and sleep-inducing effects. Passiflora incarnata is used for insomnia, gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and relieving symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal.
Related Terms
- Passiflora edulis: A species of Passionflower known for its fruit, the passionfruit.
- Passiflora incarnata: A species of Passionflower used in herbal medicine.
- Passionfruit: The fruit of some species of Passionflower, particularly Passiflora edulis.
- Passifloraceae: The family to which Passionflower belongs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Passionflower
- Wikipedia's article - Passionflower
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