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.