Passionflower vs Valerian

Passionflower is a climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, traditionally used by Native Americans as a calming herb. It is approved by the German Commission E for nervous restlessness and is widely used in European phytomedicine. It is valued for its anxiolytic properties without significant sedation.

Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, long valued for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for insomnia and nervousness. The root is the primary medicinal part, known for its distinctive strong odor.

Chrysin, Vitexin, Isovitexin, Orientin, Apigenin, GABA-related compounds

Valerenic acid, Isovaleric acid, Valepotriates, GABA, Hesperidin

Anxiety relief, Insomnia treatment, Nervous tension, Seizure treatment, Pain relief

Insomnia remedy, Anxiety relief, Nervous tension, Digestive spasm relief, Headache treatment

Generalized anxiety disorder, Insomnia, Nervous restlessness, ADHD support, Preoperative anxiety

Insomnia and sleep disorders, Anxiety, Restlessness, Menstrual cramps, Muscle tension

200-400mg extract daily, or 1-2 cups tea daily, or 1ml tincture 3 times daily

300-600mg root extract 30-60 minutes before bedtime

Concurrent sedative medications, Pregnancy, Pre-surgery (stop 2 weeks before)

Liver disease, Concurrent sedative medications, Before driving or operating machinery

Drowsiness, Dizziness, Confusion at high doses, Nausea, Rapid heartbeat (rare)

Headache, Excitability (paradoxical reaction), Uneasiness, Morning grogginess, Vivid dreams