Passionflower (or pasiflora incarnata) is a well-known aromatic plant, cherished for its exuberant beauty, its multiple applications and beneficial properties in the field of health and beauty. However, it is comprised of a small amount of alkaloids that can be considered psychoactive and could generate hallucinations, among other side effects, if not used in moderation. Known for its soothing and sedative effects, products on the market include passionflower to facilitate sleep in children. Find out more at OneHowTo.com on how to give passionflower to children.
Also known as passion vines and Pasiflora, along with a list of many more names, the passionflower is known for its qualities. Its properties can make it an alternative to medicinal products. Below are some of these properties:
- It helps to lower blood pressure.
- It is effective against insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- It has antispasmodic properties.
- It can be a good bronchodilator, useful for delaying asthma attacks.
- It's very useful as a sedative and to treat problems of nervousness, anxiety, stress, etc.
Passionflower can act and, therefore, cause side effects if taken with medications for the aforementioned disorders; so it is very important not to mix the two. If you're medicating your kids (or yourselves), it is best to consult your doctor for advice before taking passionflower.
If, after taking passionflower or products containing this plant, you notice that the child has side effects such as nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, it may be due to the side effects that passionflower creates in some people. If this is the case, you/your child should stop taking it immediately.
Other side effects caused by passionflower if taken in excessive dosis include narcotic effects manifesting as general numbness or in any specific part of the body or. It can also cause hallucinations in some people because of the alkaloids it contains.
While passionflower is considered a plant of low toxicity, it is it is not recommended for children under 3-4 years old. Up to 12 years old, the amount to be provided should be proportional to one's weight (maximum one cup of tea a day).
If your child suffers from insomnia or restless sleep and you want to prepare an infusion before bedtime, read on to find out how to prepare an infusion of passion flower:
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of passionflower to a half litre of water.
- Boil for about 10 minutes and turn off the heat.
- Let stand a few minutes and strain.
- You can add a little honey if you do not like the taste.
Remember that, although you have made half a litre of the infusion, your child should have no more than one small cup.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Give Passionflower (passiflora) to Children, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.