Drinking a cup of passionflower tea before bed may have sleep-inducing effects and improve the quality of sleep. It also has other health benefits.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is said to help with insomnia, anxiety, and pain. With over 500 known species of the plant, there are many benefits to go around.

This article will cover the benefits of drinking passionflower tea and how to brew your own cup.

Studies suggest that passionflower increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The release of GABA results in:

Passionflower has also been found to reduce symptoms of preoperative anxiety (anxiety before surgery) and have anxiety-relieving effects similar to oxazepam and midazolam, both of which are benzodiazepines.

A 2023 study also found that dry passionflower extract is a successful adjunct treatment for people who are coming off of benzodiazepines.

Passionflower helped with the withdrawal symptoms some people with anxiety or depression might experience when going through benzodiazepine tapering.

Summary

Passionflower has effects similar to anxiety medications and can help with relaxation, mood, sleep, and pain relief.

For a restful night’s sleep, try sipping a cup of passionflower tea right before bed. This tea will act as a mild sedative.

Animal studies show that passionflower has sleep-inducing properties. A single dose of passionflower was shown in mice to increase blood melatonin levels, a hormone that makes you sleepy.

It may also have modest effects on sleep quality, but more studies are needed.

Summary

Passionflower tea has sleep-inducing properties and may modestly improve sleep quality. Drinking a cup before bed has been shown in mice to increase melotonin levels.

Passionflower can be made into a tea by steeping dried passionflower (or a tea bag) in boiling water. It is mild in flavor with a grassy earthiness and can be sweetened with floral honey.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp dried passionflower (about 2 grams) or a tea bag
  • 1 cup hot water
  • honey (optional)

Directions

  1. Steep dried passionflower in hot water for 6–8 minutes. For a stronger tea, steep for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Strain or take tea bag out of water.
  3. Optional: Sweeten with a touch of honey.

Dosage: Drink one cup of tea made with 1 tablespoon of dried passionflower per night for at least seven days to feel the effects.

Possible side effects of passionflower

Passionflower has very few side effects, but it can cause sleepiness or dizziness, which may affect functioning.

People who are pregnant shouldn’t consume passionflower as no studies have been done on the fetus. It also should not be consumed with certain medications as it may have an interaction with them.

Consult a health professional before consumption.

Passionflower may have anxiety-relieving properties. It can also boost mood, help you relax, and relieve pain.

Drinking passionflower tea before bed may help induce sleep and modestly improve the quality.

As always, check with your doctor before adding anything to your everyday routine to determine what’s best for you and your health.

Tiffany La Forge is a professional chef, recipe developer, and food writer who runs the blog Parsnips and Pastries. Her blog focuses on real food for a balanced life, seasonal recipes, and approachable health advice. When she’s not in the kitchen, Tiffany enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, organic gardening, and hanging out with her corgi, Cocoa. Visit her at her blog or on Instagram.