There are several types of passion flowers.
During the Easter season, it is not uncommon to hear about the Passion of Chirst flower, or more commonly, the passion flower. This peculiar botanical undergoes an amazingly expedited blooming process, as it annually blooms fully for one day only. This process lasts for approximately three hours, after which the flower returns to its mysteriously concealed position, with each petal inwardly enclosed. Within 10 minutes the flower slowly fades away, until the next year. The passion flower has the most dramatic blooming of all flowers, according to passionflower.org. Does this Spark an idea?
Historical Review
The apprearance of the Passion Flower varies geographically.
There are several stories regarding the origination of the Passion (of Christ) flower. Some attribute it to Jacomo Basio, a 17th century monastic scholar who was shown drawings of the flower by an Augustan friar, Emmanuel de Villegas, in 1609. Another rendition of the Passion Flower Saga, attributes its discovery to Christian missionaries during the 16th Century, upon their arrival to South America. While exploring the country, they stumbled upon a plant deemed to be a "good omen for their mission," according to Plants-in-Motion. To them the flower respresented the death of Christ. The five sepals and five petals stood for 10 of the apostles, without Peter and Judas. The corona (the two rows of colored figments), represented Christ's crown of thorns. Other parts of the flower sympolized the nails and Christ's wounds, as well as the whips used by the Roman soliders.
Bosio's Interpretation
Passion Flowers are often juxtaposed with the crucifixion of Christ.
Bosio interpretted the passion flower differently from 16th century Christian missionaries. According to Bosio, the flower depicted the crown of thorns (corona filaments) in its twisted and plaited state, and the three nails (stigma) along with the column of the flagellation appeared as seen on ecclesiastical banners. Bosio wrote that "the insides of the petals are tawny in Peru, but in New Spain they are white tinged with rose-pink, the crown of thorns having a blood red fringe, suggesting the ‘Scourge with which our blessed Lord was tormented."
Medicinal Properties
The passion flower has an array of medicinal properties.
Some of the traditional theoretic and homeopathic uses of the passion flower, include but are not limited to, antibacterial, anti-seizure, anti-spasm, aphrodisiac, asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), burns, cancer, chronic pain, fungal infections and gastrointestinal discomfort (nervous stomach). Only a few medicinal uses are scientifically affirmed. Uses based on scientific evidence include congestive heart failure and sedation with a grade "C", according to Medline Plus. Doses of 0.5-2 grams of dried herb are usually taken three to four times daily by mouth, with a higher dosage of 2.5 grams incorporated in an infusion.
Safety and Precautions
Passion Flowers should be consumed with caution.
Passion flowers are generally safe botanicals, though there have been isolated cases of side effects reported. Such include, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and sedation, or deceleration of mental agility, as well blood thinning. In cases where side effects were noted, contamination was believed to be the cause, according to Medline Plus. There are also noted interactions and/or counter-effects with certain synthetic drugs when used in-tandem. Consult with a medical physician or certified doctor of naturopathy before using.
Other Names
There are several other related names for the passion flower.
According to Medline Plus, the following are synonyms for the passion flower: Apigenin, apricot vine, banana passion fruit ( Passiflora mollissima ), Calmanervin® (combination product), chrysin, Compoz® (combination product), corona de cristo, coumarin, cyanogenic glycosides, EUP, Euphytose® (combination product), fleischfarbige, fleur de la passion, flor de passion, granadilla, grenadille, harmala alkaloids, harmaline, harmalol, harman, harmine, Jamaican honeysuckle ( Passiflora laurifolia ), madre selva, maypops, Naturest, Passiflora incarnata , Passiflora laurifolia , Passiflora mollissima , pasipay, Passiflora , passionflower, passion vine, Passionsblume (German), purple passion flower, Sedacalm®, umbeliferone, Valverde® (combination product), vitexin, water lemon, wild passion flower.
Tags: combination product, passion flower, passion flower, crown thorns, Medline Plus