Passion flower tea

What is passion flower tea?

Passion flower tea is made from the dried herb of the passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). The passion flower is a climbing shrub with striking flowers that can range in color from white to red to purple. The passion flower is native to the entire American continent, but has also found its way to Germany. Due to its beautiful flowers, the passiflora is particularly popular as a decorative garden and ornamental plant. Passionflower is also a traditional remedy in naturopathy and homeopathy.

How does passion flower tea work for dogs?

The effect of passionflower is based on its influence on a specific messenger substance in the brain: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The production of GABA is stimulated by drinking the tea. The neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating nerve activity, and a deficiency can lead to nervous tension. Passion flower tea therefore has a tension-relieving and nerve-soothing effect. If your dog suffers from nervousness and restlessness, passion flower tea can help your four-legged friend to feel calmer and more relaxed.

When can passion flower tea be used on dogs?

Passion flower tea can help in various situations that can be stressful or anxiety-inducing for your dog. For example:

• General anxiety and restlessness in dogs
• Mental stress, for example with shelter dogs
• Stress caused by unfamiliar situations and noise, for example on New Year's Eve
• Nocturnal restlessness and sleep disorders in dogs
• Restlessness and excessive urge to move

How is passion flower tea dosed for dogs?

The dosage of passion flower tea depends on your dog's weight. As a rule of thumb, you can use around 0.5 grams of passionflower herb per kilogram of body weight. This corresponds to about one teaspoon per 10 kilograms of body weight. You can either pour boiling water over the herb and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes or steep it in cold water and leave it to stand overnight. You can then add the finished tea either directly to your dog's drinking water or to their food. The recommended daily dose should be divided into two to three doses.

Are there any risks or side effects of passion flower tea for dogs?

Passionflower tea is considered to be well tolerated by dogs as long as it is used in the correct dosage. However, there are a few points you should bear in mind:

• Not all varieties of passionflower are suitable for dogs. Most varieties have a high prussic acid content and are therefore harmful to dogs. The poisonous hydrocyanic acid is mainly contained in the leaves of the passion flower. We therefore strongly advise against using passionflower as an ornamental plant in the home or garden.
• If your dog is taking medication, you should speak to your vet before using passionflower tea. There may be interactions, especially with sedatives, antidepressants or painkillers.
• Passionflower tea should not be given permanently, but only when needed. Long-term use can lead to habituation or dependence.
• Passionflower tea should not be given during pregnancy or lactation, as the effect on unborn or nursing puppies is not known.