I am Passiflora incarnata, a perennial climbing vine known for my intricate and beautiful flowers. My calming properties are not an accident; they are a result of my complex chemical composition, evolved as a defense mechanism against herbivores. Within my leaves, stems, and flowers, I produce a suite of compounds, primarily harmala alkaloids and flavonoids. The most notable are chrysin, which acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the mammalian brain, and harman alkaloids, which possess mild monoamine oxidase inhibiting (MAOI) properties. Together, these chemicals help to quiet the nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep without the heavy sedation of synthetic compounds. This is my natural gift.
To ensure the highest potency of my calming constituents, timing your harvest is crucial. The ideal moment to gather my aerial parts—primarily my leaves and flowers—is mid-morning on a dry, sunny day. The morning sun has dried the dew but the intense afternoon heat has not yet arrived, preserving my volatile oils. For the flowers, harvest them just as they have fully opened. My fruits, or maypops, are best collected when they have turned a light yellow hue and yield slightly to pressure. Please, be mindful and harvest sustainably. Take only a few stems from each plant, allowing me to continue thriving and reproducing.
Once harvested, I must be processed correctly to preserve my beneficial properties. The most effective method for human use is drying. Bundle my stems loosely and hang me upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated area. This process prevents mold and slowly draws out the moisture while locking in the active compounds. Once I am crackly-dry, my leaves and petals can be carefully separated from the stems. They are now ready for their primary purpose: to be transformed into a soothing tea or tincture. Do not use excessive heat, as it will degrade the very chemicals you seek.
My most common and gentle method of administration is as an infusion. To make a tea, steep one heaped teaspoon of my dried leaves and flowers in approximately 250ml of hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Straining and drinking this brew 30-60 minutes before bedtime can encourage a restful night's sleep. For a more concentrated and longer-lasting extract, I can be macerated in alcohol or glycerin for several weeks to create a tincture. A few drops of this under the tongue can provide rapid calming effects during moments of acute stress or anxiety. Always start with a small amount to assess your body's reaction.
