REFERENCED QUOTES ON PERIWINKLE

Herbal Materia Medica by David Hoffman:
"Vinca major
Apocynaceae
Names : Greater Periwinkle
Habitat : Indigenous to Southern Europe
Collection : This herb is collected in the spring.
Part Used : Aerial parts.
Constituents : Indole alkaloids, tannins
Actions : Astringent
Indications : Periwinkle is an excellent all-round astringent that maybe used internally or externally. Its main use is in the treatment of excessive menstrual flow, either during the period itself (menorrhagia) or with blood loss between periods (metrorrhagia). As with other remedies that effect the uterus, it can be used to address similar processes in the urinary system. Thus it can be used for cases hematuria. It can be used in digestive problems such as colitis or diarrhoea where it will act to reduce the loss of fluid or blood whilst toning the membranes. It may also be used in cases of nose bleed, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers or sore throats. It has a questionable reputation for aiding in the treatment of diabetes.

Combinations : It will combine well with Cranesbill and Agrimony. For menstrual problems it may be used with Beth Root.

Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day."

24. Periwinkle
Vinca minor

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Indole alkaloids (0.15-1.4%): chief alkaloid vincamine (eburnamine-tyoe, 25-65%), including as well vincine, apovincamine, vincadifformin.
Flavonoids: including kempferol-3-O-rhamnoside-7O-galactoside, kempferol-3-O-rhamoglucoside-2-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside.

EFFECTS
The alkaloid vincamine is hypotensive, negatively chronotrophic, spasmolytic, hypoglycemic and sympatholytic. Scientifically validated studies on the hypotensive effect on humans have not yet been carried out. Its use as an amaroid seems plausible.

INDICATIONS AND USEAGE
Unproven Uses: Periwinkle is used internally for circulatory disorders, cerebral circulatory impairment and support for the metabolism of the brain. It is also used internally for loss of memory, hypertension, cystitis, gastritis and enteritis, diarrhea, raised blood sugar levels and to help weaning. Periwinkle is used externally for sore throats, nose bleeds, bruising, abscesses, eczema and to stop bleeding.

Homeopathic Uses: Periwinkle is used for weeping eczema and bleeding mucous membranes.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper administration of the designated therapeutic dosages. Gastrointestinal complaints and skin flushing have been observed as side effects.

OVERDOSAGE
Overdosage will bring about a severe drop in blood pressure. Cases of poisonings have not yet been recorded.

Treatment includes gastrointestinal emptying (inducement of vomiting, gastric lavage with burgandy-coloured potassium permanganate solution, sodium sulphate), instillation of activated charcoal and shock prophylaxis (appropriate body position, quiet, warmth). The therapy for poisonings consists of treating bradycardia with atropine or Alupent, cardiac arrhythmias with licodine or phyentoin and treating possible cases of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate infusions. In case of shock, plasma volume expanders should be infused.

DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Whole, cut and powdered drug is available in the form of capsules, ampules, coated and filmed tablets, and compound perparations.

Preparation: To make a tea, pour 200 ml boiling water over 1 teaspoon of drug, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. To make a decoction, boil 60 gm of drug in 1 liter of water for 2 minutes, steep for 10 minutes, then strain.

To make infusion, boil 15 gm of drug in 1 liter of wine for 10 days, decant, then press. To make a liquid for gargling, boil 2 dessertspoonfuls of drug for a few minutes in ½ liter water.

Daily Dosage: The usual drug dosage is as follows: Tea -2 to 3 cups daily; Decoction-2 to 4 cups between meals; Infusion-drink after meals for diarrhea; Wine-1 dessertspoonful after meals; a gargle or wash can be used externally as needed.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every 30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic); parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc, acute; 3 times daily; chronic: once a day (HAB1).

WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES
Elsewhere	astringent, bactericide, collyrium, diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, Lactifuge, menorrhagia, phthisis, pile , scalp, sedative, skin, Spasmolytic, tea, tonic, tumor(uvula)
Eurasia	catarrh, depurative, eczema, hemostat, homeopathy
Europe	carminative, depurative, diuretic, emetic, hemostat, hypertension, scurvy
Turkey	astringent, depurative, diuretic, hemostat, lactogogue, tonic

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