Small periwinkle: benefits and harms, the use of herbs in traditional medicine, reviews

Medicinal properties, the use of periwinkle and contraindications have been studied since the time of the sage Pliny. It was considered a flower that brings good luck and preserves beauty. Today, the blue flower is widespread in horticulture and alternative medicine.

What does a periwinkle flower look like

Periwinkle is a perennial herb of the Kutrov family. The people called him the coffin-grass and the grave. Photos and descriptions of the medicinal properties of periwinkle do not allow doubting its uniqueness. In ancient times, it was used as a talisman to protect against evil spirits. The plant can reach a height of 35 cm. The roots go into the ground to a depth of about 70 cm. The stem of the periwinkle is vertical and creeping. The leaves have an oblong-elliptical shape and a length of 3-5 cm. The lower surface of them is blue-green, and the top of the leaf part has a more saturated green color.

The plant is often grown for decorative purposes.

Periwinkle bloom begins in May-June and lasts until September. During this period, blue flowers appear, not exceeding 3 cm in diameter. Each peduncle has one flower. Fruiting of the plant occurs in July. The fruits are curved leaflets with a diameter of 8 cm. They contain brown seeds.

Where does periwinkle grow

The periwinkle herb is considered unpretentious. It lives in well-lit areas, but also tolerates shade well. The plant inhabits places of deforestation, steppe slopes and edges of deciduous forests. It is widespread in Asia Minor, Ukraine and Belarus. On the territory of Russia, periwinkle is found in the Caucasus, the Baltic States and the Crimea.

Periwinkle species

More than 10 species of periwinkle are represented in nature. But the most popular are only 3 of them. Each plant variety has specific traits and a certain set of properties. In alternative medicine, the lesser periwinkle is often used.

Grassy

The herbaceous periwinkle is found in the Caucasus and Ukraine. During the flowering period, white flowers appear on it. The plant spreads out its thin stems, which take root in the ground with all shoots. The distinctive features of the variety also include oblong or oval leaves.

This type of plant is both deciduous and evergreen.

Large

The great periwinkle is found in the Caucasus, Crimea and some European countries. It has evergreen erect shoots covered with villi. The leafy part is egg-shaped. The plant does not tolerate a lack of moisture and poor soil.

The foliage of the great burial ground is distinguished by a variegated color

Pubescent

The pubescent periwinkle belongs to wild plants. It is found in the Caucasus.Creeping shoots of the plant. The flowers are blue. This species needs a lot of light.

The pubescent type of plant is unstable to low temperatures

Small

Lesser periwinkle lives in the Mediterranean, Asia and southern Russia. The length of its shoots can be 1.5 m. They form a dense covering on the ground. A distinctive feature of the species is the small size of the flowers. They reach 2.5 cm in diameter. The plant of this species has good endurance.

Lesser periwinkle has a more pointed leaf shape

Pink

Pink periwinkle is also called Madagascar wine. It has erect, branched stems. The plant reaches a height of 60 cm. A distinctive feature is the pink flowers that bloom in May. The medicinal properties of pink periwinkle allow it to be used as an antineoplastic agent. The healing effect is achieved due to the rich content of alkaloids.

The plant propagates by cuttings, with the help of root processes

Chemical composition of periwinkle

The medicinal properties of periwinkle are explained by its rich chemical composition. It contains about 20 alkaloids. Some of them have anti-cancer effects. The largest number of useful components is presented in the terrestrial part of the plant. It is she who is often used for medicinal purposes.

The composition of the periwinkle is represented by the following elements:

• flavonoids;
• triterpene acids;
• vitamin C;
• bitter substances;
• carotene;
• tannins;
• rutoside;
• ursolic acid;
• glycosides;
• pectin;
• mineral salts;
• phytosterols;
• tannins;
• alkaloids;
• succinic acid.

Triterpene acids in the plant have a hepatoprotective effect and eliminate inflammatory reactions. The use of tannins is to normalize the intestinal microflora and stimulate peristalsis. This allows the plant to be used for eating disorders. The biological role of alkaloids is to regulate metabolism and protect the body from the harmful effects of external factors.

Succinic acid, in turn, participates in the process of providing cells with oxygen and has an antioxidant effect on the body. Phytosterols have a beneficial effect on the heart and slow down the growth of malignant cells. The glycosides in the plant have analgesic and sedative effects.

Useful properties of periwinkle

Small periwinkle is in great demand among supporters of alternative medicine. It can also be found in some medications. Due to the rich content of alkaloids, the plant has an expanding effect on blood vessels, thereby lowering the level of blood pressure. It has proven itself well in the treatment of migraines and cardiovascular diseases. The healing properties of periwinkle include:

• laxative effect;
• hemostatic effect;
• regulation of blood pressure;
• improving erectile function;
• strengthening blood vessels and giving them elasticity;
• sedation;
• activation of the immune system;
• normalization of brain function;
• launching metabolic processes.

Cooking methods

The plant has a powerful restorative effect on the body. It is often used to speed up the recovery process after a protracted illness. In addition, the remedy improves the well-being of people suffering from pressure drops. For the treatment of infertility, it is used by both women and men.

For the manufacture of medicinal products, leaves, flowers and plant stems are used. Most recipes involve using dried raw materials.Before using periwinkle for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since under certain circumstances the herb can be toxic.

Tincture

Alcohol tincture is most often used to treat prostatitis. It improves the condition of blood vessels, thereby normalizing blood circulation in the prostate gland. The treatment course in this case lasts 4 days. It can be repeated if necessary after a 2-day break.

Ready-made tincture can be bought at your nearest pharmacy

Components:

• 100 g periwinkle;
• 500 ml of 40% alcohol.

Cooking steps:

1. The plant is poured into a deep container and filled with alcohol.
2. The drink is kept in a dark place for 2 weeks.
3. It is necessary to shake the container once every 3-4 days.
4. After insisting, filter the drink and take 5 drops, after diluting 1 tbsp. l. water. Reception is carried out 2 times a day.

Infusion

Herbal infusion is widely used in folk medicine. It can be taken orally and applied to the skin as a point. Infusion has a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The abundance of vitamins in its composition ensures the strengthening of the immune system.

Components:

• 1 tsp periwinkle;
• 1 tbsp. boiling water.

Recipe:

1. Dry raw materials are poured with water and left under a lid for 20 minutes.
2. After insisting, the drink is filtered.
3. You need to take it in 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

Infusion effectively removes excess fluid from the body

Decoction

A decoction of periwinkle is often used to normalize the emotional state, since it produces a slight sedative effect. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the broth is used for rinsing the mouth and treating the skin.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml hot water;
• 1 tbsp dried periwinkle leaves.

Cooking steps:

1. Raw materials are poured with water and placed in a water bath.
2. The cooking time is 15 minutes.
3. After removing from the heat, the drink is cooled.
4. Before use, the tincture is filtered and taken in 1/3 tbsp. 3 times a day.

The broth can be prepared from both dried and fresh leaves

The use of periwinkle in traditional medicine

The medicinal properties of the periwinkle plant allow it to be used for medicinal purposes. It is often used to stop bleeding and relieve pain. Due to the fact that the plant has a hypotensive effect, it is used to reduce pressure and strengthen blood vessels. Periwinkle is effective against ailments of the reproductive system and colds.

From hypertension

Due to its ability to expand the vascular cavity, periwinkle is in demand in the treatment of hypertension. The herbal infusion is taken in 1/2 tbsp. 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Usually it is 3-4 weeks. But a relief of well-being is observed already in the first days of taking the remedy.

With infertility

Infusion of periwinkle is also used for complex therapy for infertility. The benefits of the plant for men are to improve the quality of the semen. Periwinkle helps women to cure adhesions and normalize hormones. In addition, it effectively copes with the inflammatory process, which is often the cause of infertility. The infusion is taken 1 sip 5-6 times a day. The treatment is carried out within 2 weeks.

For skin diseases

Periwinkle helps to eliminate itching and relieve inflammation in the presence of skin diseases. It is effective in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and ulcers. Herbal decoction is used to make lotions. They are kept on the affected area for at least 15 minutes.

From vegetative-vascular dystonia

To eliminate the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, periwinkle is mixed with viburnum bark and valerian root in equal proportions.At 1 st. l. the resulting mixture will require 200 ml of boiling water. The medicinal drink is prepared in a water bath for 15 minutes. After removing from the heat, it is additionally insisted for 45 minutes. Filter the finished product and take 100 ml 3 times a day. During treatment, too sweet and salty foods should be excluded from the diet.

Toothache

To relieve toothache, the use of periwinkle tincture is practiced. Dilute 8 drops in 100 ml of pure water. I use the resulting solution to rinse the mouth.

How to take periwinkle for diarrhea

A decoction of periwinkle helps to cope with disturbed bowel function. For this purpose, it is taken in 100 ml 3 times a day. Already on the first day of admission, flatulence is eliminated and the intestinal microflora is restored.

The medicinal plant should be kept separate from other herbs.

Application in cosmetology

Due to its many useful properties, periwinkle has found application in cosmetology. It has a tonic effect on the skin of the face and helps to eliminate foci of inflammation. On an industrial scale, the extract is added to lotions and creams. It is also added to lipsticks to give the desired shade. According to quality standards, periwinkle is added in a volume of no more than 5-10%. At home, you can prepare face and hair masks from the remedy.

Contraindications

The lesser periwinkle is both beneficial and harmful to health. Therefore, it must be used with caution.

Contraindications to a remedy include:

• individual intolerance;
• bradycardia;
• age under 12;
• pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.

In case of an overdose, periwinkle has a toxic effect on the human body. In this case, it disrupts the work of the heart and provokes problems with blood vessels. If the plant is used incorrectly, the risk of developing contact dermatitis increases.

The use of the plant should be discontinued if nausea, headache or skin rash occurs. These signals may indicate an intolerance to the constituent components. With an allergic reaction to a plant, mucosal edema is possible.

Collection and procurement

The process of collecting the plant is carried out in May-June, during the flowering period. Since periwinkle is poisonous, safety rules should be followed when in contact with it. It is imperative that you put on gloves and closed clothing in advance. You should also avoid getting periwinkle juice on mucous surfaces. For medicinal use, only the ground part of the plant is harvested. It is carefully cut off with a sharp knife, stepping back from the ground 3-4 cm.If you pull out the periwinkle along with the root, you can provoke its complete extinction in a certain area.

After harvesting, leaves, stems and flowers are carefully cleaned of dust and dirt. Then they are laid out in a well-ventilated area on a flat surface. It is best to stretch gauze or netting over the ground. This drying method will ensure an even moisture release. The drying time is 5-7 days. Under unsuitable weather conditions, the workpiece is carried out in a special dryer at a temperature of 45 ° C. The finished raw material breaks easily and has absolutely no smell.

Store dried periwinkle in a glass container with a lid. This is necessary to protect against moisture. You should also keep dried herb out of the sun. The shelf life of periwinkle, if all conditions are met, is 2 years.

Conclusion

The healing properties, the use of periwinkle and contraindications have worried people for a long time. Despite the toxicity, the plant does help to cope with various diseases. But therapy with its use has a cumulative effect.

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