Passion flowers are generally grown for appearance, but they are also a useful medicinal plant.  While not what I would consider, a major healing herb, I decided to do this article since I had a few pictures of them from my sister's garden.
    Passion Flower gets it's name from the flowers vague resemblance to the crown of thorns put on Jesus.  Nowadays, it is often called "the Alian Plant" because the buds look very much like the alian eggs from the movie and, when they open, the flower looks like a multi-level flying saucer.
    For medicinal purposes, the plant and flower are dried after some berries have formed.  The fruit can be made into jam or jelly.  It is a mild sedative useful as a sleep aid.  It is also useful in fighting bronchial asthma.  It can aid circulation and reduce convultions. It has been used with some success in treating hyperactive children.  Many homeopathic formulas include passion flower.  Some diet products also contain passion flower.  It is considered very safe and is approved by the FDA.

Folklore:
Passion flower is named for it's resemblence to a crown of thorns.  It's  stamen are said to symbolize the wounds Jesus suffered and the twelve petals represent the apostles.  It symbolizes faith and purity.