They are credited with anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic effects. The passionflower is also used as a remedy for burns, diarrhea, painful menstruation, hemorrhoids, in neurotic disorders, insomnia, to treat morphine dependence, and can be helpful in convulsions or neuralgia, too.

The following species and forms of passiflora are hardy enough to be grown outdoors in most of the UK. After a cold winter they may lose all their leaves but, once established with a thick woody stem, they will quickly reshoot in the spring and flower away for long periods through the summer and on into autumn.

Passiflora ciliata, natural range Mexico to North Colombia, South Florida to Caribbean. Seen here growing in Israel. Edible but slightly bland fruit.

Several clinical studies show that passionflower has anxiety-calming (anxiolytic) effects. In one clinical trial , researchers found that P. incarnata had results similar to antianxiety medication in mice. Two other clinical trials in animal models found that it had sedative effects.