Passionflower - Bulk Herb

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower is a sprawling perennial vine native to the southeastern United States — from Virginia down through Florida and as far west as Texas — and now widely cultivated across the US and Europe. It's a plant that commands attention: its flowers are famously elaborate, displaying five stamens, three stigmas, ten sepals, and a frilly collar of lavender coronal filaments that herbalist Steven Foster once described as protruding "like the antennae of a spaceship." It's little wonder that Spanish missionaries, upon encountering it in 16th-century Peru, saw in its structure a physical representation of the crucifixion of Christ — the three stigmas as the nails, the filaments as the crown of thorns, the five stamens as the wounds, and the ten sepals representing ten of the disciples. That spiritual association gave the plant the name we still use today.

Also known as maypop, apricot vine, and wild passionflower, P. incarnata belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is one of over 500 species in the genus — a diverse group that includes P. edulis, the tropical passion fruit enjoyed across Mexico, Brazil, and beyond.

A Gentle, Calming Herb

Passionflower is perhaps best known for its softly calming character. Cooling to the body, quieting to the mind, and soothing in spirit, it has a long history of use as a gentle herbal ally for those navigating stress, restlessness, or a busy, ruminating mind. It is mild enough to be offered as a soothing tea for children and the elderly, yet its effects are considered genuinely profound by herbalists who work with it regularly.

Its history of use runs deep. Archaeological seeds found near Virginia suggest use stretching back thousands of years among the Algonkian people, who also consumed the fruit. The Cherokee used the root extensively, and various indigenous groups prepared the leaves, fruits, and tendrils as food and topical poultices. Documented use in Europe dates to at least 1787. In folk magic traditions, passionflower has been carried as a charm for friendship and peace, with leaves placed in the home to encourage harmony.

Our organic passionflower is well suited for tincturing, steeping as a standalone tea, or blending into herbal infusions.

Precautions: No known precautions. We recommend consulting a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.