The medical history of passion flowers includes the Maypop used by Native Americans to make tea infusions to treat insomnia, hysteria and epilepsy. The Maracuja species in South and Central America were used for medical purposes as well. In modern times, the passion flower continues to be used for cooking and baking desserts. It is also used for creating juices and alcoholic beverages that contain a tropical essence. Aside from these uses, the passion flower is used today for as an herbal medicine to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and other pains such as headaches.

The passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In modern times, passion flower is still used in natural and alternative medicine, and some studies have found evidence to support its medicinal properties.

Here are some purported medicinal uses of passion flower:

Anxiety and Insomnia: Passion flower is believed to have sedative properties that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Some studies have found that passion flower can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Pain Relief: Passion flower has been used as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. Some studies have found that it can be effective in reducing pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and toothaches.

Menopausal Symptoms: Passion flower has been used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings. Some studies have found that passion flower can be effective in reducing these symptoms.

Digestive Health: Passion flower has been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some studies have found that it can help reduce symptoms of these conditions, such as abdominal pain and bloating.

Respiratory Health: Passion flower has been used as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis. Some studies have found that it can help reduce symptoms of these conditions, such as coughing and wheezing.

It's important to note that passion flower can interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before using it as a medicinal treatment.

The passion fruit of the plant is now a commercial good and one of the major species, Maracuja, is cultivated in the Caribbean, Florida and South Africa. The Maracuja comes as either a small purple fruit or a larger golden yellow fruit.

Over the course of its history, the passion flower has been cultivated in non-native regions as well as native regions due to the popularity of the passion fruit in a number of ethnic cuisines as well as the health benefits and medical purposes that people can take advantage of from the fruit as well as the plant. The passion flower has an old and fascinating history that can continue to be researched to uncover the many aspects of its use and cultural traditions.