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INTRODUCTION:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine native to the West Indies and Southern America. In the native countries the sedative properties of passionflower are known for many centuries; the aerial parts of the plant (leaves, stems, flowers and tendrils) have been used medicinally, ritually and recreationally.
The plant was given its name 'passionflower' by early conquistadors and refers to Christian crucifixion. The plant is now cultivated all over the world as an ornamental.
EFFECTS
In low doses passionflower produces a sedating, short-acting marihuana-like high, and in higher doses it has hypnotic and mild hallucinogenic properties. In very high doses passionflower probably has a MAO-inhibiting effect.
DOSAGE AND PREPARATION
Passionflower may be prepared in the form of teas, tinctures or smoking mixtures. A tea can be prepared, by boiling the plant material in water for 15 minutes. Smoking mixtures often contain scullcap, damiana and cannabis.
10-20 grams of dried plant material should be provided per person.
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