Maracujá, known in the US as passion flower, is a hardy, woody vine that grows to more than 30 feet tall and has tendrils. It has large, white flowers with pink or purple centers. It produces the passion fruit, which is a delicious form of nutrition in tropical regions.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Eastern and Southern Australia, Southern Africa, New Zealand, Caribbean, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Analgesic, nervine, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, antibacterial, diuretic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, vermifuge, and is
used to treat depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, headache, bruises, cough, heart disease, alcoholism, insomnia, nicotine addiction
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For all conditions, eating the fruit is advised. As a nervine, sedative, and to treat water retention, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, alcoholism, and nicotine addiction, boil 3 leaves in 1 cup water. Drink while warm, and repeat three times per day. For headaches, apply the leaves or fruit pulp as a poultice. For coughs, boil 1 fruit in 1/2 cup water and
2 teaspoons sugar until syrupy. Administer
1 teaspoon every hour until symptoms subside.
