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

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Synopsis

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

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for its calming and anxiolytic effects. In folk medicine, especially among Native American and European herbalists, passionflower was used to ease nervousness, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. While these traditional applications have sometimes been generalized to broader anxiety-related issues, including phobias, there is limited direct evidence specifically addressing its use for phobic disorders.

Scientific research on passionflower mainly focuses on its anxiolytic effects, with some clinical studies showing that extracts of passionflower can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety and improve subjective feelings of calm. However, most studies are small, of short duration, and typically examine general anxiety or preoperative anxiety, not specific phobias (such as social phobia, agoraphobia, or specific fears). The mechanisms proposed involve modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to sedative and calming effects.

In summary, the use of passionflower for phobias is primarily rooted in traditional practices, and while it may help with general anxiety, there is minimal direct scientific validation for its effectiveness in treating specific phobias. Its role in supporting individuals with phobias remains mostly anecdotal, warranting more targeted research for this particular indication.

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Other ingredients used for Phobias

lavender
passionflower