I included the PFAF link for you below. It notes that there can be cases of hypersensitivity. The reaction you describe sounds more like that than a regular experience.

If you are concerned, brew the tea and drink only a partial cup. See how your body reacts. You can also work with a health care provider to address concerns and possible interactions with medications.

But overall, I would strongly suggest trying to address your causes for anxiety since that is the real long-term answer. Generally speaking, such remedies are only stop-gaps and meant for short-term help. I hope this helps!

FataMorgana

Here is a link that might be useful: PFAF - maypop

I wish you and your daughter all the best. I would say that it is always best to go slow with adding in new herbs. Herbs, just like pharmaceuticals, do react differently with different people. So besides educating yourself (which I strongly applaud!) listen to what your body has to say about the herbs you use. Some that are right for others, may not be right for you.

FataMorgana

This dosage is very safe and unless your daughter is very sensitive will not feel that effect. Has she used herbs before and if so, how did she react? Some need large doses, others can get the same effect from a small dose. For anxiety and insomnia try a tea of skullcap, spearmint, passionflower, chamomile, linden, hawthorn berry, a pinch of ginger...works great. The blending of many herbs with complementary actions into a formula creates a therapeutic action not found in any one herb and is generally safer and more effective. She can drink a 1/2 cup of this tea several times per day or use it as a tincture as desired. Tinctures are often more convenient.

Tinctures are nice, but sitting and relaxing with a cup tea has calming abilities all its own. ;)

FataMorgana

Yes indeed, the simple act of making tea is quite therapeutic. I suggested tincture just in case her anxiety attacks come at times when she is away from home and can't make tea.

Thanks to both of you. I'm trying to find things to help that are actually in our back yard or could easily be grown. She hasn't tried any herbal remedies yet but she is willing. She is scared to try a combination of things for fear of having an allergic reaction and not knowing what its from. So we are baby stepping. :)

I am a firm believer that everything you need grows right where you are. You don't need those exotic and rare herbs from Borneo. Some herbalists I know talk about the first plant you see when you walk out your door, the one that presents itself to you, as being the plant you most need. I don't exactly follow that thought, but I do believe that herbs can present themselves to you when you are in need if you have the eyes to see the gift they are offering.

To combine with that I think that the things that grow in your very own dirt especially those which you grew, tended, and/or picked with your own hands are even better for you. All that positive energy you put into tending, harvesting, etc. comes back to you.

No real science here. No medical studies I can site. Just metaphysical ideas. But I offer it as support for trying to use what is in your own "backyard."

FataMorgana

Where is the "Like" button when you need one? lol
Thanks Fata, that is exactly how I feel as well. :)

*grin*

FataMorgana

Ditto that "LIKE" for me too!

Luckily passionflower grows wild and freely where I live.

Thanks. :)

I live too far into the frozen North where it is winter (or at least has the chance of freezing temperatures) half of the year. I've tried to grow maypops twice. They are supposed to be hardy out to zone 5/6/7, depending upon the source you reference. I even tried them in the most mild and sheltered of my microclimates. No dice. Winter killed them. Pity. The flowers are stunning, not to mention a valuable herb to have on hand.

Ah well, you just have to try and see for yourself what works and what doesn't.

FataMorgana

This is the information I am looking for!
I noticed today that I have passionflower with white flowers and some with lavender flowers. Are they the same?

Passionflower blossoms come in a variety of colors... ranging from white to pink to blue and purple.

I started 2 maypops from seed this year, so I'm excited to see if they will grow and make it through the winter. Beautiful vines. I have had insomnia problems since childhood and lately have been doing well getting back to sleep by breathing in to a count of say 12-20, fully expand lungs, and same exhale, for 4-5 repetitions. I read that there are sensors in the lower lungs that cause a relaxing effect when this is done, it seems to work most of the time! I have had IBS problems and eliminated the allergens and triggers to the point most of the time I have no symptoms, read about casein, gluten, soy, and corn by Dr. J. Also the last trigger was raw fruits and vegetables (can eat most cooked), plus all nuts and seeds, and oils from them. Hope this helps.

hemnancy:

What you're describing is what the Chinese call a cold, damp deficiency of the Spleen network. Get a couple Chinese herbs and drink a tea of it once daily for 3 days and see how you feel: Cang zhu and Bai zhu. Don't overdo it. A little (3 days) is better than long term. Remember: If those herbs smell and taste good to you, it's the right herb for you. If it doesn't, then your body doesn't need or want it.

You can order them from Dr. Kang's in San Francisco (look online). Very inexpensive.

HerbDoctor

suggest choosing nervine herbs that also have an affinity for the gut, passionflower is a good nervine but affinities are elsewhere. this is a helpful strategy when emotional stuff is connected with diet/gut.

a good portion of the nervous system outside the CNS is wrapped around the gut, called the 'gut brain'.

consider mugwort, vervain, catnip, chamomile, fennel, etc.

I am in zone 5 and have been growing passionflower for about six years. Gradually, the roots have spread and I have shoots emerging over a large area of my perennial bed. So far this year I have been rewarded with a half dozen blooms. There are more buds forming, too. I thought for a long time I could never grow this plant outside. I am thrilled with the success I am having now. I harvested the flowers and dried them for tea with the intention of helping my father and myself with insomnia. I'll try a very small cup of tea to start with.

depending on where you live all the plants i mentioned for tea can be and are wildcrafted in the u.s. except for ginger. these are hardly exotic and in fact are quite common.

any native herb that moves blood circulation from the interior to the surface of the body could be substituted for the ginger.

On occasion, I am adding a fresh passion flower to the top of my leaf lettuce salad. The taste is sweet and delicate.