Passionflower extract: "Nature's xanax"

Nikki Gray

THE BEAUTY OF PASSIONFLOWER

A couple months ago I came across something I found fascinating; an all natural extract that studies show to be just as powerful as prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Considering the harsh side effects of anti-anxiety medications and the dependency that forms anything all natural with no side effects is a great alternative.

WHAT IS PASSIONFLOWER EXTRACT?

Passionflower extract has been used for hundreds of years as a sedative and hypnotic for problems such as insomnia, nervous anxiety and tension. Today in Europe passionflower extract is widely prescribed as a sleep aid. It has shown to have no ill side effects or cause dependance.

Passionflower is used for sleep problems (insomnia), gastrointestinal (GI) upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and relieving symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal. All natural, no side effects and not only helps with anxiety also insomnia.

Prescription anti-anxiety medications taken regularly can lead to issues in many people.

Xanax can cause side effects such as:

Weight gain

Puffy/bloated face

Bloating of the body

Depression

Panic attacks

Trouble sleeping

Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness

Loss of interest in life, detachment

Loss of muscle mass

Cellulite

Liver damage(it is made to be used for short periods of time and it has been shown if you take it regularly for years it can cause serious liver damage)

Extreme tiredness and weak feeling

Can cause the body to become shaky and tremble

Clumsiness and feeling light headed

Irritability

Feelings of sadness and unusual bouts of crying

ADDITIONALLY..

If you get caught with one and you do not have a prescription, say a friend gave you one, it is ILLEGAL. Not a little slap on the wrist, you're looking at major problems. In many states, including California, it is a felony.

I know this is a touchy subject. I used to take it to calm me down when I would have to fly, so I know firsthand how it can mess you up physically and mentally. Sure for some people it may be fine to take every once in awhile. I'm very sensitive so for me it was a different story. I would feel down and irritable for days after. I also noticed my face was indeed puffy and bloated when I was taking it, so for the last couple of years I have stayed away from it. I do still have to take an anti-anxiety when I fly(yes, as you may have noticed I have a fear of flying) but I had my doctor prescribe a different anxiety medicine that is less powerful but does not have any major side effects when taken from time to time. Like I said, everyone is different. If you have it prescribed and it works for you thats you, I just wanted to people to be aware of issues it can cause if it doesn't work well with your body chemistry, and a lot of people, it doesn't. There are many class action lawsuits against Xanax right now. Family members that have lost loved ones to suicide while taking Xanax. It is best if you do take it, to do so with caution and to really pay attention to how your body and mind feel.

*It should be noted if you are taking Xanax regularly and want to stop you have to do so under your healthcare providers supervision and taper off safely. Stopping regular Xanax intake abruptly can cause seizures.

Nikki Gray CNC