The garden periwinkle is the source of a chemical that can be turned into vinpocetine, a natural treatment for aging minds. Originating in Madagascar but not growing wild in warm climates around the world, periwinkle has enjoyed a variety of medicinal applications.
In Europe, periwinkle teas were used as a folk remedy for diabetes.
In Hawaii, the plant was boiled to make a poultice used as a bandage to stop bleeding. In China, periwinkles became cough medicine, and in India, they were juiced to make a remedy to stop the pain of wasp stings.Throughout the Caribbean, periwinkles were used to treat infections„and as a protection against voodoo magic.
Benefits
There is some clinical evidence that the periwinkle chemical vinpocetine can increase blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygenation, and also protect brain cells from damage by a chemical called phosphodiesterase. In one study, a majority of 203 clinical study volunteers with dementia experienced measurable improvement after treatment.
Vinpocetine is also commended for memory enhancement in health people, and tried as a means of reducing brain injury after strokes.
Externally, Periwinkle leaves can be bruised and applied directly to the affected area for wasp stings, to relieve eye inflammation, and to stop bleeding. Alternatively, the leaves can be boiled and a cloth soaked with the liquid and applied to the affected area, or an ointment can be made using oils from the plant.
Precautions
Periwinkle is the source of vinpocetine; it is not pure vinpocetine. If you use the whole herb you might upset your stomach. Periwinkles are members of the Dogbane family, many members of which are big-time poisonous when ingested. Therefore, if you are going to try internal concoctions made at home, do it with extreme caution and in extreme moderation. Don’t try this herb when pregnant or if you have kidney, liver, or lung disease.
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