Tag Archives: Apocynaceae

Vinca major | Periwinkle | Medicinal Uses

View photos of the medicinal plant Vinca major (Periwinkle), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest:

Like caffeine, through Periwinkle’s vasoconstricting effect on peripheral blood vessels, it can be useful in diminishing the pain and sensitivity of an acute stage migraine headache. Systemically as well, the plant lessens passive hemorrhaging. Use it to quell mild bleeding from hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, and urinary tract injury. Profuse menstruation, as well as mid–cycle bleeding, also diminishes with Periwinkle.

Apocynum cannabinum | Dogbane | Medicinal Uses

View photos of the medicinal plant Apocynum cannabinum (Dogbane), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States. Use Dogbane with caution. It contains cardiac glycosides similar to what is found in Digitalis.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States:

Dogbane was used up until the early 20th century by alternative doctors as a digitalis–like substitute: it was placed in the same strata as Digitalis, yet was thought to better–influence fluid retention and edema from poor heart function more reliably and with less potential for accumulation toxicity.