Vinca minor / Lesser Periwinkle Herb Cut

Description

Vinca minor most commonly known as common names lesser periwinkle or dwarf periwinkle, is a species of flowering plant native to central and southern Europe, from Portugal and France north to the Netherlands and the Baltic States, east to the Caucasus, and also south-western Asia in Turkey.

Vinca minor is a trailing, viney subshrub, spreading along the ground and rooting along the stems to form large clonal colonies and occasionally scrambling up to 40 centimetres (16 in) high but never twining or climbing. The leaves are evergreen. The plant thrives best in shade or semi shade and it has the tendency to smother out other garden plants if it not kept under control. Periwinkle even grows well in deep shade but then it will produce fewer flowers.

The closely related species Vinca major is similar, but larger in all parts, and also has relatively broader leaves.

It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and cemeteries, often as a ground cover under trees and bushes.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Antihypertensive – The Active Substance Vincamine found in Vina Minor has been successful in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Astringent – As an astringent, the herb can be used both internally and externally. The main application of the herb is for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, either during menstruation (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia).

Gastrointesinal – The herb can be used for digestive problems such as gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) and diarrhoea by strengthening the mucous membranes resulting in reduced fluid or blood loss.

Styptic – the herb can be used to halt nosebleeds by placing the leaves directly into the nostrils.

Topical Uses – The astringent properties of periwinkle can be exploited by using extracts of the leaves externally as a mouthwash or a gargle for a sore throat, gingivitis and mouth ulcers, and as a washing, wet compresses or covers to treat minor skin inflammations, eczema, milk scab, vaginal discharge, and wounds.

Packaging

Product is supplied in Resealable Foil Bags.