Meadowsweet Market has been getting a lot of requests for passionflower lately because it was featured on an episode of Dr. Oz on stress and weight gain.  Passionflower is an herb that has been used since the time of the Aztecs as an antispasmodic and mild sedative.  Today it is a common ingredient in natural relaxation formulas like Traditional Medicinals’ Nighty Night tea.  Passionflower (and the many other effective herbs for relaxation) may assist the body’s management of the physiological symptoms of stress such as muscle tension, sleeplessness and increased cortisol production.  Relief from these symptoms helps set the stage for  loss of excess body weight.  It is important to remember that weight loss, like stress management, is a process that requires a holistic approach for lasting  results.  When you work toward consistently giving your body the nutrition, rest,  and exercise that it needs, herbal supplements may be a very effective way to assist your weight and stress management efforts, by helping to bring balance to body and mind.