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Periwinkle: the popular ornamental plant as a medicinal plant
Periwinkle is a widespread plant, as it is popular in modern horticulture as a ground cover of choice. Originally native to our country, it is considered a cultural relict in the wild. It was very popular in Roman times and the Middle Ages and was often found in settlements, but did not spread itself. Thus, today it can be concluded that growing sites in the wild are historical settlement sites with archaeological background. In medicine it is used mainly for its antisclerotic and circulatory properties.
Periwinkle facts
Did you know that...
...Periwinkle as a cultural relic often indicates ancient settlements?
...evergreen was part of bridal bouquets because it symbolizes eternity?
...Periwinkle can also safely drive away evil witches?
What is periwinkle?
The periwinkle is a semi-shrub that grows to a height of approx. 10 to 30 cm and is native to our region. It is mainly found in our native mixed beech forests, where it is provided with optimal conditions. As a ground cover it grows flat and sprouts carpet-like. Since the base of the shoots is woody, botanically it is not a perennial, but a semi-shrub. As its name suggests, the plant is green and leafy all year round. Its leaves and shoots contain a whitish sap and the plant as a whole is poisonous. The periwinkle's five-petaled, helical flowers are outstanding, as they are a charming, bright blue and have a special luminosity.
General and medicinal properties of Vinca minor
The basic knowledge
Promotes blood circulation
Periwinkle promotes blood circulation. It dilates the blood vessels so that their cross-section is increased and the amount of blood flowing through them is increased. This also reduces blood pressure and thus relieves the vessels.
Antisclerotic
Periwinkle is antisclerotic. Sclerotic processes are signs of aging, where the vitality fades and everything becomes rigid. Periwinkle helps against this, keeps the tissues fresh and young and relaxes the blood vessels so that they throw off their rigidity and remain youthful.
Oxygenating
Periwinkle is oxygenating. By increasing the amount of blood flow, more oxygen reaches the periphery. This oxygen is gratefully received by the cells, because an optimal oxygen supply ensures optimal cell metabolism.
Vinca minor: Ingredients
Vinca minor contains 40 different alkaloids, which in sum also cause the blood picture changes. Allopathically, today only vincamine is used synthetically or as an extract. Its main application is cerebral circulatory disorders.
You can find the following ingredients in periwinkle:
- Alkaloids like vincamine
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
Periwinkle: effect for body and mind
Vinca minor is much less used today and mostly as a homeopathic or spagyric essence. Its active ingredient vincamine is produced synthetically today and used for various circulatory disorders. It is mainly used in the clinic for strokes and inner ear disorders. Naturopathically, it is used in all processes that are signs of aging. The sclerosis, that falling into the earth heaviness is the subject it is about. Whether this heaviness manifests itself on the mental level in the form of depression, or on the physical level with vascular calcification and stroke, it does not matter. Aging is to be delayed and what would be more suitable for this than a plant that always shines in the eternal green of its youth.
Periwinkle properties
- Drying
- astringent
- perfusing
- antihypertensive
Fields of application in naturopathy
[Vinca minor]
Due to its alkaloid cocktail and the tannins it contains, there are a number of different applications in which Vinca minor has proven its worth.
Periwinkle for anemia
Periwinkle has a distinctly bitter taste and has therefore been repeatedly recommended as the remedy of choice for anemia. Iron, which is lacking in some anemias, is better absorbed in the intestines when the digestive glands are working well and preparing the intestines for absorption. Bitters help with this, as they activate the digestive glands such as the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. The intestine is then optimally prepared and can absorb the iron better.
Periwinkle for depression
Depression is often associated with long-lasting problems and emotional stress. Periwinkle contains various alkaloids, active substances that have a strong relation to the nervous system. In the right dosage, they can therefore influence the central nervous system in such a way that brain metabolism changes and permanent overstimulation caused by chronic stress and depression is alleviated. The mood lifts and strength and drive return.
Vinca Minor for exhaustion & circulatory problems.
Basically, it is said that bitter substances stimulate digestion and make the heart happy. This is also the case with the bitter substances of periwinkle. They support the heart in its activity, thus stabilizing the circulation and counteracting states of exhaustion. The patient notices how his strength returns and is more efficient again.
Periwinkle for nervous disorders
Due to the fact that periwinkle has a pronounced effect on blood circulation, it is also an important remedy for the nervous system. Whether in the gehring or the periphery, nerves need oxygen and nutrients to function well. Periwinkle increases this blood flow and thus the supply of everything the nerves need. It has therefore proven as effective in post-stroke conditions as it has in treating diabetic polyneuropathies.
Periwinkle for tonsillitis
Traditionally, periwinkle is also used for tonsillitis. Since its ingredients such as flavonoids and tannins are slightly antibacterial, they can help fight the infections here. At the same time, the tannins and alkaloids take the inflammatory reaction itself, supply the tissue with oxygen and nutrients, so that a healing is supported concomitantly.
Vinca minor for gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal complaints can have many causes. What helps with all of them is that the digestive glands are optimally activated so that they release their digestive juices into the intestines. They regulate the pH values there and help the body's own intestinal bacteria to eradicate the cause of the complaints. The well-being is restored and the appetite returns!
Periwinkle for diseases of the scalp
Periwinkle has a good reputation for weeping eczema of the skin and is therefore often used for this phenomenon on the head. Due to its tannins, it has an astringent and drying effect on these weeping rashes. The eczema dries, no longer itch and can thus heal cleanly.
Instructions for the use of periwinkle
Vinca minor is uncommon as a single remedy and is usually a component of homeopathic or spagyric mixtures. It is usually applied for a short time and used over limited periods of time.
Periwinkle in pregnancy & lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, Vinca minor should not be taken, as it affects blood circulation and poses risks.
Periwinkle for hypotension
Vinca minor should not be used in cases of clinical hypotension, i.e. very low blood pressure, as it can further lower blood pressure.
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