Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) flower head. As well as being cultivated for use as a decoration due to its impressive flowers, the passion flower is also used medicinally. It has a sedative effect and can be used as a hypnotic (sleep inducer) and an anti-spasmodic (relaxes involuntary muscles). When used as a compress, passion flower can ease minor skin irritations. It is usually used as an infusion or as a tincture (alcohol extract).