| This article is part of a series giving information about | | | | menstruation. It is believed that lesser periwinkle can |
| herbs and their medicinal properties. We are going to | | | | help improve circulation particularly in the brain. |
| look at periwinkle in this article. You will find out what | | | | Greater periwinkle is thought to be useful at treating |
| this herb is, how you can use it and the conditions | | | | anxiety or nervousness and also to reduce blood |
| that could be helped by periwinkle. | | | | pressure. In addition both types are thought to be a |
| What is Periwinkle? | | | | useful treatment for diabetes. |
| Periwinkle is a perennial shrub that also flowers and is | | | | The astringent properties of periwinkle may mean it |
| a member of the Apocynaceae family. There are | | | | is also useful for things such as colitis, diarrhea, |
| two varieties of Periwinkle, lesser and greater. The | | | | bleeding gums, nosebleeds, sore throats, and mouth |
| lesser periwinkle originated from Spain and France but | | | | ulcers. One supplement that is derived from |
| can now be found growing all over the world | | | | periwinkle is vinpocetine and studies on that have |
| whereas greater periwinkle is native to Southern | | | | shown it can improve brain function and memory. |
| Europe. It is important to mention that this is not the | | | | This suggests that there could be some benefits for |
| same as Madagascar periwinkle which probably has | | | | sufferers of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. |
| greater healing properties than lesser and greater | | | | Side Effects and Precautions |
| periwinkle. The flowers of the periwinkle shrub a | | | | Periwinkle is not thought to be harmful when taken in |
| purple and in ancient times was often called sorcerer's | | | | recommended dosages however little research has |
| violet due to the fact it was thought to have magical | | | | been done on the long term effects and so you |
| properties. | | | | should limit the length of time that you take it. It is |
| How to use Periwinkle | | | | also not recommended for people suffering from low |
| There has been very little research done on | | | | blood pressure or constipation. In addition care should |
| periwinkle and so the exact dosage that should be | | | | be taken when giving periwinkle to children or |
| taken when making your own remedy is not known. | | | | pregnant women. Large doses can cause a large drop |
| For that reason you should not make your own | | | | in blood pressure and medical advice should be sought |
| remedy at home and should visit a health food store | | | | immediately. |
| in order to get your remedies. These can be bought | | | | Side effects of taking periwinkle may include flushing |
| in a variety of forms as with so many herbs and it is | | | | and gastrointestinal problems. In addition it is not |
| important to follow the directions on the side of the | | | | known to interact with medication or other |
| packet. In addition you could consider visiting a | | | | supplements and can be taken with a number of |
| herbalist in order to get more advice on the best | | | | other herbs for extra benefits. If you are at all |
| way to use periwinkle and the correct dosage. | | | | concerned it is a good idea to consult not only a |
| Uses of Periwinkle | | | | herbalist but also your doctor to ensure you get the |
| Although there is very little evidence on the health | | | | relevant advice. Also if you are taking it and feel you |
| benefits of periwinkle is has been used for centuries | | | | are having side effects that are not reported in this |
| for various different conditions. For example it is | | | | article then you should stop taking periwinkle |
| thought to be an astringent and many herbalists may | | | | immediately and discuss your response with your |
| recommend it for excessive bleeding during | | | | herbalist and your doctor. |