Passion Flower Herb (Passiflora incarnata). In Yucatan, Mexico the Mayan Indians used it to treat insomnia, hysteria and convulsion in children. Passion flower can best be used in nervous problems with children such as muscle twitching and irritability and is also helpful with problems of concentration. It has been used primarily as a motor nerve depressant. It can also be used for increasing the rate of respiration and produces a temporary reduction of blood pressure. In the elderly, it is good for sciatica and general nerve debility. It can be used to calm the nerves during periods of hormonal adjustments for women. Passion flower is rich in flavonoids. It is effective in combinations to overcome alcohol abuse without the accompanying narcotic hangover. It has been found to possess analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory properties, to aid, without side effects, sleeplessness caused by brain inflammations and can be helpful for people who do not want to continue dependence on sleeping pills and tranquilizers. It is reputed to kill the bacteria said to cause eye irritations.