Content
Catharanthus is a flowering plant that resembles phlox. It has pronounced decorative qualities and is actively grown in flower beds and in front gardens, in pots on balconies. The use of catharanthus is also carried out in folk medicine. This is due to the presence of valuable properties in the pink periwinkle.
What it looks like and where it grows
Annuals and perennials that are included in the Kutrovy family are called Katarantus. In their natural environment, they grow on the territory:
- India;
- Madagascar;
- Philippines.
Some specimens reach 1.5 m in height. However, in a garden, the catharanthus does not exceed 60 cm.
Catharanthus or pink periwinkle is classified as a viable plant. However, abundant flowering requires sufficient humidity, illumination, appropriate temperature, which is at least 22 ° C.
The stems are detached. They are covered with dark green leaves. Glossy plates have a light streak in the middle. Usually the flowers are of a monochromatic color:
- purple;
- pink;
- white.
Chemical composition
For the treatment and prevention of various diseases, aerial parts of the plant are used:
- stems;
- leaves.
As a result of scientific research, it was found that the raw material of the catharanthus contains about 80 alkaloids. Some substances have an anti-tumor effect:
- serpentine;
- lochnerin;
- aymalicin;
- leyrosine;
- vincristine;
- vinblastine.
Serpentine's action resembles snake venom. Vinblastine as well as vincristine are herbal poisons. They affect the rate of cell division. That is why pink periwinkle is used to treat acute leukemia and fast-growing neoplasms.
Other beneficial substances present in leaves and stems include:
- zinc;
- calcium;
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- iron.
The chemical composition of the catharanthus has not been thoroughly studied. The presence of alkaloids makes the plant poisonous. Self-medication using products made from raw materials is not recommended.
The healing properties of pink periwinkle
Katarantus is used in folk medicine. Leaf and stem preparations produce the following effects:
- hypotensive;
- antineoplastic;
- antibacterial;
- antispasmodic;
- blood-purifying;
- antidiabetic.
The use of drugs made on the basis of raw periwinkle raw materials helps to reduce blood glucose. The extracts of the medicinal plant began to be used in official medicine. They are the basis for the manufacture of anticancer drugs and immunosuppressants. Medicines are prescribed when drugs belonging to other medical groups are ineffective.
The properties of the pink catharanthus are more studied. Decoctions and infusions are used to treat and prevent the following pathologies:
- diabetes;
- BPH;
- polyps and hemorrhoidal varicose veins;
- peptic ulcer.
Funds from periwinkle rose help purify the blood after chemotherapy. The drugs are used in the complex treatment of complex forms of diabetes.
External use of aqueous solutions from catharanthus in the form of compresses is recommended in the following cases:
- psoriasis;
- fungal infections;
- itchy skin;
- poorly healing ulcers.
Preparation and application methods
Infusion of catharanthus is used to rinse the nose with bleeding. They are treated with insect bites in order to reduce the severity of redness and itching. A decoction of leaves and stems is used in the form of douching for endometriosis, myoma, polyps in women giving birth. Rinse the mouth with an aqueous solution to eliminate unpleasant odor and toothache.
Tincture of catharanthus
A drug based on alcohol or vodka is recommended to be included in the complex treatment of sexual impotence. The solutions are infused for ten days. The funds produce pronounced antitumor and blood-purifying effects.
Application of catharanthus
Pink periwinkle belongs to the known poisonous plants. Funds based on it are actively used as homeopathic medicines for the treatment and prevention of the development of certain pathologies.
From gynecological diseases
Treatment of fibroids and endometriosis can be carried out with a decoction, including:
- water - 200 ml;
- dry raw materials - 1 tbsp. l.
The drug is made like this:
- Katarantus is poured with water.
- The mixture is brought to a boil and cooked for a minute.
- The tool is insisted for half an hour, filtered.
A decoction of pink periwinkle is drunk three times a day one hour before meals. The dosage is 1 tsp. for 50 ml of water.
Prevention of the development of malignant tumors
To prevent cancer pathologies, it is recommended to take an infusion, including the following herbs in equal proportions:
- celandine;
- mistletoe;
- pharmacy chamomile;
- pink catharanthus.
To prepare the product, take:
- 1 tbsp. l. mixtures of herbs;
- 1 tbsp. boiling water.
The infusion is done in stages:
- Raw materials are poured with boiling water in the required proportions.
- The composition is left for half an hour, and then cooled and filtered.
The course of therapy is a month. It can be repeated three times throughout the year.
Blood purifier
Katarantus is used in the recovery period after chemotherapy. Potions based on pink periwinkle help cleanse the blood. To prepare the tincture, use:
- plant leaves - 1 part;
- vodka - 20 parts.
The alcohol solution is done like this:
- The leaves of the catharanthus are crushed.
- Raw materials are poured with vodka.
- The composition is kept for seven days in a dry and dark place.
- The agent is filtered before use.
With prostatitis
The inflammatory process of the prostate gland significantly impairs the quality of life, as well as sexual function. To eliminate the signs of prostatitis, it is recommended to take a tincture, including:
- 250 ml of alcohol (70%);
- 2 tbsp. l. shoots with leaves.
Preparing a potion involves the following steps:
- Raw materials must be filled with an alcohol base.
- The tool is insisted for ten days in a dark place, constantly shaking.
During the first three weeks, the dosage is five drops per 1 tbsp. l. water. The tincture is taken half an hour before meals. Then you should take a break for a week. The dosage needs to be increased.Over the next three months, you need to take ten drops of an alcoholic product, which is dissolved in the original volume of water.
Contraindications to the use of catharanthus
Pink periwinkle has a unique composition that allows for the treatment and prevention of diseases during the external and internal use of funds based on it. However, catharanthus has both beneficial properties and contraindications. This is due to the presence of alkaloids in the raw material, which are poisonous substances.
The use of drugs should be recommended exclusively by a doctor. Self-medication can lead to poisoning, deterioration of the general condition and progression of pathologies. Products made from catharanthus have a significant risk of adverse reactions. Overdose often causes vomiting and severe nausea. Inappropriate topical application can lead to skin irritation and hair loss.
Preparations and drugs from the catharanthus are not prescribed:
- pregnant women;
- patients under the age of 16;
- hypotonic;
- people with VSD, a history of nephritis.
It is inappropriate to use decoctions, infusions against a background of elevated temperature. You can not use homeopathic remedies in the presence of intolerance to the components of the medicinal composition.
Collection and procurement
The benefits of catharanthus are due to the presence of alkaloids, vitamins and elements in the composition. For therapeutic purposes, use:
- leaves;
- shoots;
- flowers.
Compliance with the collection rules is essential. The blank must ensure that important components are preserved. The collection of raw materials is carried out during active flowering. It is permissible to harvest at the very end of the season due to the high concentration of alkaloids. It is in September that seed ripening is observed, which indicates the maximum content of valuable components in the aerial parts of the plant.
The collected raw materials should be dried in a dark place. During the preparation process, it must be constantly turned over. The dried aerial parts of the plant are stored throughout the year. After the specified time, the beneficial properties are gradually lost.
Conclusion
The use of catharanthus is carried out under the supervision of a physician. This is due to the presence of toxic substances in the raw periwinkle pink. The plant is actively used in folk and traditional medicine. Treatment with pink catharanthus is carried out with the ineffectiveness of other medications. The drugs are useful in the presence of malignant tumors. They are prescribed after chemotherapy to cleanse the blood and improve general condition. The normalization of reproductive function and elimination of inflammatory processes are essential.
