Vinca Minor

Also Known As:

• Lesser Periwinkle

• Dwarf Periwinkle

• Small Periwinkle

• Common Periwinkle

• Running Myrtle

• Creeping Myrtle

Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Vinca
Species: minor, major

Where It Grows:

This plant is native to Central and Southern Europe (Portugal, France, Netherlands, Baltic States, Caucasus) and parts of Southwest Asia like Turkey.

Parts Used:

• Whole plant

Description:

Lesser Periwinkle is an evergreen (always green) plant that grows close to the ground.

• Its stems spread and can grow up to 30 inches long.

• Dark green, shiny leaves grow in pairs and are about 2 inches long.

• Blue to violet flowers (sometimes white) bloom in May and June.

• The flowers grow where the leaves join the stem, and after flowering, it produces two small, thin seedpods.

In old times, it was believed this plant could keep away evil spirits. In France, it was called “violet of the sorcerers” because of these magical beliefs.

Medicinal Compounds:

Vinca minor contains helpful plant chemicals, including:

• Alkaloids (like vincamine — good for blood circulation)

• Flavonoids (like kaempferol — helpful for inflammation)

• Other natural substances like tannins, saponins, and ursolic acid

Medicinal Uses:

Internally (taken by mouth):

• Improves blood circulation

• Helps with poor memory and mental tiredness

• Controls high blood pressure

• Treats urine problems, stomach inflammation, diarrhea, and high blood sugar

• Assists in weaning (gradually stopping breastfeeding)

Externally (applied on the skin):

• Soothes sore throat and nosebleeds

• Heals bruises, abscesses (pus-filled swellings), and eczema

• Stops bleeding from wounds

• Helps with skin problems and bleeding mucous membranes

Special Benefits:

• A useful remedy for Diabetes Mellitus, as it helps the body to naturally increase insulin production

• Used for skin diseases like eczema and hair conditions like plica polonica (a hair matting disorder)

• Helpful in cases of diphtheria and internal bleeding

Important Note:

Like all medicinal herbs, it should be used carefully and preferably under medical supervision, as it contains strong plant chemicals.