ENGLISH NAME: Periwinkle
LATIN NAME: Vinca herbacea
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Barvínek bylinný
Turkey: Yer sarmaşığı
Bulgaria: Зимзелен билков (Zimzelen bilkov)
Georgia: გველის სურო (Gvelis suro)
COUNTRY: Turkey, Bulgaria,
Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Guria, widespread in southeastern Europe and Western Asia
Elevation: No strict elevation range, found from lowlands to gentle slopes
Terrain: Woodland areas, grassy slopes, gardens, forest edges
DESCRIPTION:
Vinca herbacea, or Periwinkle, is a low-growing, evergreen plant with glossy,
dark green, opposite leaves shaped like ovals or elongated ellipses. In spring,
it produces attractive violet-blue, five-petaled flowers. The plant creeps
along the ground, creating dense, carpet-like mats in shaded or semi-shaded
areas.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
– Circulatory Benefits: Contains
vincamine, which may widen blood vessels and support cerebral blood flow
– Cognitive Support: Potential
to support memory and cognitive function due to vincamine and vinpocetine
– Neuroprotective Potential:
Vinpocetine may have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, potentially
protecting nerve cells
– Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant:
Other compounds in the leaves may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
benefits
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
– Toxicity risk: Contains alkaloids that may be toxic in large amounts;
symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, more
serious reactions
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
No significant interactions documented; always consult a healthcare
professional before use with other medications, especially those affecting the
heart or brain
PREPARATION:
– Rinse and pat dry leaves, then air-dry in a shaded, ventilated spot until
fully dry
– Cut dried leaves into small pieces
– For infusion: Steep 1–2 tsp dried, chopped leaves in hot (not boiling) water
for 10–15 minutes, strain, and optionally sweeten
HARVEST TIME:
– Late spring through early autumn
HARVEST METHOD:
– Select mature, healthy leaves in the morning
– Harvest moderately, leaving enough leaves for plant health and regeneration
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
– Store fully dried leaves in airtight glass jars, in a cool, dark location
– Check periodically for moisture or mold; discard any compromised leaves