Does Passionflower Have Caffeine? The Answer for Your Evening Relaxation

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

For centuries, Passiflora incarnata has been valued for its calming effects, a use recorded even by indigenous peoples of the Americas. The key question for evening use, however, is: Does passionflower have caffeine? The definitive answer is no; passionflower is naturally free of caffeine, making it a perfect choice for unwinding.

Quick Summary

Passionflower is a naturally caffeine-free herb cherished for its soothing and sedative properties. It influences the brain's GABA levels to promote relaxation and aid sleep.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Passiflora incarnata contains no caffeine and is a non-stimulating beverage, making it suitable for evening consumption.
Calming Effect: It promotes relaxation by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and reduce brain activity.
Natural Sleep Aid: Many use passionflower to help with insomnia and to improve overall sleep quality, with studies confirming short-term subjective sleep benefits.
Anxiety Relief: Research has shown its effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms, sometimes comparable to pharmaceutical medications but with fewer side effects like impaired job performance.
Safe Usage: While generally safe, passionflower can cause drowsiness and should be used with caution, especially when combined with other sedatives. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy.
Availability: Passionflower is readily available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules, making it a versatile herbal remedy.

The Definitive Answer: No Caffeine in Passionflower

Contrary to stimulating beverages like coffee and certain types of tea, passionflower contains no caffeine whatsoever. This crucial fact makes it an ideal option for those seeking relaxation in the evening or for individuals sensitive to stimulants. Its calming effects are not a side effect of any stimulant being masked; rather, they are a result of its unique blend of compounds that interact with the central nervous system in a different way. As a result, passionflower offers a pathway to tranquility without the risk of caffeine-induced jitters, anxiety, or sleep disruption.

What is Passionflower? Beyond the Caffeine Question

Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is a perennial climbing vine with intricate, unique flowers. While there are over 500 species in the Passiflora genus, P. incarnata is the species primarily known for its medicinal benefits. Native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America, its therapeutic properties were first discovered and used by indigenous populations. Today, the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant are used in herbal remedies, most commonly prepared as a tea, tincture, or supplement. Its use is rooted in traditional and herbal medicine for its non-addictive sedative properties.

The Science Behind the Calm: How It Works

So, if it doesn’t have caffeine, how does passionflower achieve its calming effect? The mechanism involves increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and dampens brain activity. By boosting GABA, passionflower promotes relaxation, reduces nervous tension, and can help induce sleep.

Key Benefits of a Caffeine-Free Passionflower

The absence of caffeine is just one of the reasons passionflower is a popular herbal supplement. Its other therapeutic benefits are primarily linked to its sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) actions.

Promoting Restful Sleep

For those who struggle with insomnia, passionflower can be a gentle and effective solution. It acts as a mild hypnotic, helping to quiet the mind and prepare the body for rest. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a low dose of passionflower herbal tea significantly improved the subjective sleep quality of healthy adults. This makes it an appealing choice for a nightly wind-down ritual.

Easing Anxiety and Nervous Restlessness

Passionflower's ability to boost GABA levels makes it a powerful ally against anxiety. Studies have found its anti-anxiety effects to be comparable to some prescription anti-anxiety medications, such as oxazepam and midazolam, but with fewer adverse effects like daytime grogginess or impaired job performance. It is often used to soothe general anxiety, nervous restlessness, and even preoperative anxiety in some clinical settings.

Passionflower vs. Caffeinated Beverages and Other Herbal Teas

To put passionflower's properties into perspective, let's compare it to other common beverages and herbal teas.


Feature	Passionflower Tea	Black Tea	Chamomile Tea	Valerian Root Tea
Caffeine Content	None	High (approx. 45 mg per cup)	None	None
Primary Effect	Calming, sedative, anxiolytic	Stimulating, energizing	Gentle calming, sleep aid	Strong sedative, sleep aid
Best for	Relaxation, anxiety, non-stimulant sleep aid	Morning energy, focus	Mild sleep issues, digestion	Severe insomnia, restless sleep
Main Mechanism	Increases GABA levels	Blocks adenosine receptors	Antioxidants, gentle calming properties	Impacts GABA and other neurotransmitters
Risks/Interactions	Potential interactions with sedatives; contraindicated in pregnancy	Jitters, anxiety, sleep disruption	Few, mild side effects	Strong sedative effect, potential liver issues with combined use

How to Enjoy Passionflower

Passionflower is available in several convenient forms, each with its own advantages:

Tea: This is one of the most traditional and simplest methods. Steep dried passionflower leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes for a mild, pleasant-tasting infusion. A cup before bed is a common practice for sleep.
Tinctures and Extracts: Concentrated liquid extracts are available for more potent effects. These can be taken directly or diluted in water. Doses can be adjusted for a more precise effect.
Capsules and Tablets: For a standardized, convenient dose, capsules or tablets containing passionflower extract are a popular option. These often contain a higher concentration of the active flavonoids.

Important Considerations: Safety and Precautions

While passionflower is generally considered safe for most people, certain precautions are necessary.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Passionflower is possibly unsafe during pregnancy because certain compounds may cause uterine contractions. It should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Interaction with Sedatives: Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, passionflower can intensify the effects of sedative medications, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other anti-anxiety or sleep aids.
Surgery: The herb can interact with anesthesia. Anyone scheduled for surgery should stop taking passionflower at least two weeks prior and inform their healthcare provider.
Dosage: Start with a lower dose to assess your body's reaction, especially if you are new to herbal supplements. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting is always a wise step, especially if you take other medications.

Conclusion: A Naturally Soothing Alternative

The question of does passionflower have caffeine is easily answered with a firm "no". This makes it an ideal herbal remedy for those seeking a gentle, non-stimulating way to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Its primary mechanism involves naturally increasing GABA levels in the brain, providing a calm without the side effects of conventional sedatives. However, like all supplements, it is important to understand its properties and potential interactions, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medications. For those looking to wind down and embrace a moment of tranquility, a cup of passionflower tea can be a naturally soothing alternative. Find out more about passionflower and its uses on WebMD.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, passionflower tea is generally considered safe for most people to drink daily for a period of up to eight weeks. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your daily routine to discuss dosage and potential interactions.

Unlike some prescription sedatives, passionflower is known for promoting restful sleep without causing significant morning grogginess or a hangover effect. Any drowsiness is usually limited to when the herb is active in your system.

Yes, passionflower is often combined with other calming herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, or valerian root to enhance its effects. It is still important to consult a professional to ensure the combination is safe and appropriate for your needs.

No, while Passiflora incarnata is the species known for its medicinal benefits, other species of the Passiflora genus reportedly lack these effects and may even have negative health implications. It is important to ensure you are using a product derived specifically from Passiflora incarnata.

The onset of passionflower's effects can vary by individual and method of consumption. In studies, effects for preoperative anxiety were seen within 30 to 90 minutes of oral administration. For general anxiety, consistent use may be necessary for noticeable benefits.

No, passionflower is not considered habit-forming or addictive, especially when compared to pharmaceutical anxiety or sleep medications like benzodiazepines. This makes it a gentler, non-addictive option for managing anxiety and insomnia.

In some controlled trials, a combination of passionflower and clonidine was found to be superior to clonidine alone in managing the mental withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate addiction. However, this should only be done under strict medical supervision.

Some studies suggest that passionflower, due to its calming properties, may also contribute to lowering blood pressure. However, this should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you are already taking blood pressure medication, as interactions can occur.