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 Vinca major & V. minor
(Apocynaceae)
GREATER PERIWINKLE &
LESSER PERIWINKLE
The whole herb is given
internally by herbalists to treat excessive menstrual bleeding and vaginal
discharge and externally for piles and nosebleeds. Related V. minor
is given homeopathically.
A plant rich in superstitious legends,
greater periwinkle has been said to induce love between a man and his wife if eaten in a mixture of earthworms and houseleek. In
addition, however, it has been associated with death and placed on the coffins of children.
A native of Europe, thriving on alkaline soils, V. major is a perennial
creeper with purple five-petalled flowers in early summer and glossy oval leaves.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Indole alkaloids, including
majdine, majordine, akuammigine, reserpine, sarpagine, serpentine, and vincamajine; tannins.
ACTIONS
Prevents haemorrhage; astringent.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally to treat excess menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharges,
and externally to treat nosebleeds and piles. V. minor is used in homeopathy (Vinca) for haemorrhages.
The related plant Catharanthus roseus is the source of two alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine,
used in the treatment of leukaemia and Hodgkin's disease in orthodox medicine.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture, homeopathic remedies. |
