Evidence supporting the use of: Passionflower
For the health condition: Nightmares

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for its calming and sedative properties. Folk medicine systems, especially in North America and Europe, have used passionflower to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. The rationale for using passionflower to support or treat nightmares is primarily based on its traditional application as a sleep aid, under the assumption that improving sleep quality and reducing nighttime anxiety may decrease the frequency or severity of nightmares. However, there is very limited direct historical or ethnobotanical documentation specifically linking passionflower to the treatment or prevention of nightmares per se. Instead, its use for nightmares is inferred from its broader reputation for promoting restful sleep and reducing nervousness. Scientific studies have shown some mild sedative and anxiolytic effects of passionflower, but direct clinical research on nightmares or parasomnias is lacking. Therefore, while passionflower is traditionally used for sleep and anxiety, its use for nightmares specifically is supported by tradition rather than clinical evidence, and the strength of this evidence is weak.

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