Vinca minor.   Lesser periwinkle   Family: Apocynaceae  

PART USED: Leaves
ACTIONS
Leaves
1. Bitter stomachic.
2. Detergent.
Local- astringent and healing properties, when the crushed leaves are applied to wounds.
PART USED: Root
1. Hypotensive.
2. Antispasmodic.
NOTES- The trailing stems are also used for basket making.
PREPARATIONS
Fluid extract  1:1  25% alcohol  2-4 mls.[2]
ORIGIN: Britain and Europe.
HABITAT: Wild in the field, on the edge of woods and gardens.
DESCRIPTION: The plant has many creeping, prostrate stems and a very branched root. The stems can be up to 2 m long. Leaves: Dark green, glossy, perennial, borne on a small petiole, opposite, elliptical and leathery, with a prominant middle vein. Flowers: Blue-purple, rise from the leaf axils, each on a long pedicel, they have 5 propeller shaped petals fused into a tube-shape and 5 stamens.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Similar plants.
Vinca major vs Vinca minor.

     
Vinca major has fine hair on margin on leaves. Vinca minor has no hairs- as shown in image on right. Scale in mm.[1]
References
[1] en.wikipedia.org
Images
1. landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu Oregon State University
2. landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu Oregon State University
3. en.wikipedia.org
Constituents
Research
Vincamine increases cerebral blood flow benefiting brain function and memory.
Vincristine has shown anti-cancer activity.