Periwinkle is a lovely little flower, but the leaves are used in traditional medicine for a number of conditions and ailments. Lesser Periwinkle extracts, or common periwinkle, is most often used for natural medicinal purposes. It is a known astringent that has been found to be useful for controlling excessive blood flow. For this reason, it has been used for treating wounds and to reduce menstrual flow. Vinca minor is sometimes used to improve circulation and for circulatory disorders. Internally, the leaves have been used for the improvement of cognitive function, feelings of fatigue, problems associated with menopause, mild hypertension, congestion, headache, depression, tinnitus, and as a gargle for sore throats. This herb may also be used for nervous conditions and hysteria, with its powerful tranquilizing properties. The Periwinkle herbal extract is a widely used, and popular alternative medicine for nervousness in the elderly suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and aggressiveness. It has also been used for diabetes, memory loss, cystitis, gastritis, and enteritis; as well as Alzheimer's, diarrhea, glaucoma, and stroke. Externally, it is used with an oil or ointment for dermatitis, acne, eczema, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, and for bleeding hemorrhoids.
The use of Periwinkle tinctures for chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative illnesses, and cancer, began after the scientific discovery of the alkaloids contained in the herb. The natural plant chemicals can be both toxic and medicinal in the human body. Tannins present in the leaves are responsible for the astringent and antiseptic properties. Scientists have begun to look at the anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties of the plant extracts have significant effects on blood sugar levels. Periwinkle leaf extracts are said to control swings in blood sugar, and though there is only limited data to support this contention, it has a long history of use behind it for this purpose.
Periwinkle is a plant that may be used as an astringent. It is often used to treat heavy menstrual periods. Periwinkle is believed to be useful in the treatment of excessive menstrual flow, either during the period itself (menorrhagia) or with blood loss between periods (metrorrhagia). As with other remedies that affect the uterus, it can be used to address similar processes in the urinary system. Thus it can be used for cases hematuria.
It can also treat urinary and digestive problems that include blood loss. Periwinkle has been found to be useful in treating digestive problems such as colitis or diarrhea, where it will act to reduce the loss of fluid or blood while toning the membranes. Periwinkle is an excellent all-around astringent that may be used internally or externally.
Vinca Minor L, Periwinkle plant, has been used as a cerebral vasodilator for enhancing mental alertness. It is believed to increase the blood to the brain and improve oxygenation of the cells. The original use of Periwinkle leaf goes back to European traditional home remedies. Rich in the chemical vincamine, an alkaloid that has positive effects on memory, it has been used for a long time to combat the effects of aging. In the body, the alkaloids metabolize into the brain chemical, vinpocetine. It facilitates cerebral metabolism by improving the blood flow to the brain, boosting brain cells. It has been used to treat memory problems and has been found to be useful for Alzheimer's disease. Vinpocetine has been shown in clinical trials to improve the outcome of stroke patient's, even when administered long after the initial event. In a Japanese study, researchers demonstrated marked improvement in its ability to dilate brain arteries and thereby enhance brain blood flow in those with cerebrovascular disease. In addition, it increases the flexibility of red blood cells and reduces the tendency for red blood cells and platelets to stick together, enhancing blood flow to the damaged areas of the brain and reducing the risk of subsequent stroke. The purified extract of vinca minor L is a cerebral vasodilator for enhancing mental alertness by increasing the blood flow to the brain and improving its oxygenation. It is a well known and widely used herbal medicine in Europe for nervousness in the elderly who are suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and aggressiveness.
There are more than 100 alkaloids that can be found in Periwinkle plants and their extracts. There is Alstonine which is found in other plants and barks as well, and it has been used as part of a schizophrenia treatment. Ajmalicine has been found to have antihypertensive properties and is part of a number of brand-name medications to treat blood pressure problem, and Reserpine, another alkaloid that helps with psychotic symptoms. Not to mention that it also has powerful tranquilizing properties and may be with advantage in hysteria and other fits.
However, Periwinkle, vinca minor extract, is best known as a natural remedy to help those with diabetes. Periwinkle is said to control swings in blood sugar. There is only limited data at this time to support this finding, even though it has a long history of use behind it for this purpose as an herbal remedy. Vinblastine has become widely applied in the treatment of conditions by interfering with glutamic acid metabolism, and for this reason, it has been used in cases of Hodgkin's disease and Letterer-Siwe disease (by various causes such as genetic defect, environmental stress, and infection.)
Periwinkle tea has been used historically in cases of scurvy, and for relaxing sore throats and inflamed tonsils and sores in the mouth, or mouth ulcers, when used as a gargle. Applications of this liquid herbal extract in a carrier oil or salve may help in relieving the symptoms of skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, and eczema. A solution of the extract from the Periwinkle flowers is said to be useful in the treatment of eye infections and irritation of the eyes. Externally, the herbal tincture has been used for bleeding piles, or hemorrhoids, and is known to stop the bleeding, thereby quickening the healing process. The extract of Periwinkle can be applied as a tea and has been used to stop wounds from bleeding and wasp stings.
Ingredients: Periwinkle, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.
Non-Alcohol: Periwinkle, Structured Water, Vegetable Glycerin.
All of our ingredients are Certified Organic, Kosher, or Responsibly Wildcrafted. No genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are involved. All other products that are distributed by us meet our high-quality standards.
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: With so many health benefits, Periwinkle tinctures/extracts have to have a few side effects. Here are some of the known side effects you should be aware of. If you have had liver, kidney or lung diseases, you should avoid using Periwinkle, flower extracts. If you have low blood pressure or if you are constipated, you should avoid this herb. Pregnant women should never use Periwinkle in any form, as it may lead to birth defects or even miscarriages. Also you should stay away from the herbal tincture if you are breast feeding as it may affect the baby. It is best to stay away from Periwinkle before any surgery and it can lower blood pressure and may lead to complications during and after surgery. Besides the usual symptoms you might also experience other symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness and irregular heartbeats. Externally, there are no known side effects when used properly. You should consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.
