Content
The medicinal properties and contraindications of periwinkle have been studied quite well: today several drugs are produced based on the substances that make up this herb. Periwinkle is used to treat various circulatory disorders, as well as to stimulate mental functions - memory, attention, concentration. Most patients note that the first results of treatment become noticeable 1-2 weeks after starting treatment.
Where does it grow and what does it look like?
Periwinkle is a perennial creeping plant with beautiful glossy leaves. In ancient times, it was endowed with magical properties, which is why it is still sometimes called the witch’s violet. The plant is distinguished by its vitality: it grows even on infertile soils and tolerates drought and temperature fluctuations well.
Periwinkle flowers are pale lilac in color and have five petals. They look beautiful against the background of greenery, especially since the bush completely covers the soil, creating an interesting carpet.Due to this, the plant is often used in landscape design to decorate the garden.
Periwinkle grows in the Mediterranean region - these are the countries of Southern Europe, Germany and Austria, North Africa and Turkey. The grass can also be found in Transcaucasia.
In Russia, cultivated varieties of periwinkle with good winter hardiness are cultivated.
Chemical composition
Periwinkle contains more than 20 organic and mineral compounds that have a beneficial effect on various human organs:
- alkaloids (including vincaminorine, reserpine and isovinamine);
- flavonoids;
- carotene;
- organic acids (formic, succinic, ascorbic – vitamin C);
- mineral compounds.
Pharmacological properties
The substances that make up periwinkle are known for their biological activity. Main pharmacological properties:
- sedative effect on the central nervous system;
- dilation of blood vessels in the heart and brain;
- relaxation of the muscles of the small intestine;
- stimulation of the uterine muscles;
- decreased calcium concentration in platelets;
- activation of glucose metabolism by enhancing its absorption by brain tissue.
Medicinal properties
Due to the rich composition of periwinkle, medicines based on it have a complex effect on different organ systems:
- decreased blood pressure;
- improving memory, attention and other mental functions;
- improving the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain;
- increased performance;
- relieving headaches and dizziness;
- preventing the formation of blood clots;
- restoration of heart rhythm;
- treatment of cerebral vascular spasms, migraines.
Periwinkle and drugs based on it are used both for the treatment of various diseases and for prevention. For example, it is often prescribed to mature people to prevent the development of senile dementia, atherosclerosis, and also during the recovery period after an ischemic stroke.
Periwinkle is used to improve blood circulation and nervous system activity.
Application
Periwinkle has found application in cosmetology and medicine. It is used for treatment, disease prevention and maintenance therapy.
In medicine
Periwinkle and drugs based on it are used to treat various circulatory and nervous system disorders:
- deterioration of memory, concentration and attention;
- migraine;
- hypertension;
- headaches and dizziness;
- tachycardia;
- atherosclerosis;
- general weakness and fatigue;
- complications of diabetes (retinopathy);
- complications after menopause;
- intracranial injuries;
- infertility;
- violation of potency;
- skin diseases.
In cosmetology
Since the constituent components of periwinkle have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing effects, the herb is also used in cosmetology. For example, cosmetics based on it are used:
- to prevent baldness;
- to strengthen hair;
- as a wound healing agent;
- as a natural dye;
- to improve skin tone.
Vinca extract is added to creams, lotions, shampoos and other products. It is also used in lipstick (concentration varies from 5 to 10%).
Folk recipes
Folk recipes use decoctions and infusions of periwinkle, which are easy to obtain at home. During treatment, the dosage and course duration must be observed.Then the therapeutic effect can be felt 10-15 days after the start of treatment.
For potency
Periwinkle also helps in restoring potency. To start the course, you need to take an incomplete tablespoon (15 g) of dry periwinkle raw materials and pour a glass (200 ml) of vodka. The solution is brought to a boil, after which the heat is immediately turned off, cooled at room temperature and filtered.
You can buy a ready-made tincture of Vinca minor at the pharmacy.
Take 7-8 drops (half a teaspoon) every morning and evening. Course of treatment: tincture is taken for 4 days, then a pause for 2 days, and then a new cycle begins.
For hypertension
The classic recipe based on periwinkle for hypertension is a decoction that can be prepared as follows: take a tablespoon of dry raw material, pour a glass of boiling water, then infuse using a water bath for 15-20 minutes.
To do this, you can take a ceramic glass with a lid and place it in a pan of water (on low heat, very low boiling or no boiling). Another option is to leave it in a thermos so that heat loss is minimal (also hold for 15-20 minutes).
Then the periwinkle solution is filtered through cheesecloth or a sieve, cooled to room temperature and taken 3 times every day, preferably 30 minutes before lunch. The course of treatment lasts 3-4 weeks.
For vessels
In this case, the dosage will be individual, since everything depends on the age, condition, and physiological characteristics of the body. The standard option is 2 tablespoons of dry periwinkle raw material per 1.5 cups (300 ml) of boiling water. The mixture is boiled for 15-20 minutes, covered with a lid, wrapped in a towel or blanket and left for 1 hour. Then filter and take half a glass (100 ml) 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
For headaches
To treat headaches, take a decoction of periwinkle based on 1-2 tablespoons of raw material. They are poured with two glasses of boiling water and cooked for 15 minutes. Then filter and take half a glass 3 times a day. As a rule, a week's course of treatment is sufficient.
For atherosclerosis
For the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, the dosage is also set individually. You can use the standard option - 2 tablespoons of crushed periwinkle raw material per 300 ml of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, cool, take 100 ml 3 times a day.
For infertility
For the treatment of infertility, the decoction is used as an adjuvant treatment. The recipe is standard, as in the previous case. The duration of the course is agreed with the doctor.
For skin diseases
To treat skin diseases, decoction-based compresses are used.
You can get it according to the standard recipe: pour boiling water (200 ml) into 2 tablespoons of periwinkle raw material and boil for 15-20 minutes. Then the resulting broth is cooled and filtered. Apply to clean gauze and make compresses on wounds or pustules.
Contraindications
In some cases, the treatment and use of periwinkle and drugs based on it are excluded:
- hypersensitivity to individual components;
- coronary insufficiency;
- brain tumors of various etiologies;
- arrhythmia;
- period of pregnancy and lactation.
In some cases, taking periwinkle and drugs based on it is contraindicated. Some patients may experience side effects during treatment - itching, rash and other allergic reactions.In case of overdose, hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) may occur. If these and other signs occur, you should immediately stop treatment and consult a doctor.
Procurement and storage of raw materials
Periwinkle harvesting begins in June. To do this, cut the grass with a knife, leaving the stems at a height of 3-5 cm. Use pruners or a scythe. Then the resulting material is sorted, discarding fading and dead leaves.
The resulting periwinkle raw material is dried at a temperature of 45-50 °C in ventilated rooms or outdoors (under a canopy) for a week. Then it is crushed and stored at home (room temperature, low humidity). They are packaged in natural fabrics or in filter bags to be used later to make tea or decoction.
Periwinkle raw materials are harvested in early summer
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of periwinkle are associated with the characteristics of this medicinal herb. As a rule, decoctions, infusions and preparations based on periwinkle can be used by almost all adults and children over 14 years of age. However, there are also contraindications. Excessive use may lead to side effects. Therefore, you need to carefully follow the dosage and consult your doctor first.
