This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack.

Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture.

Periwinkle acts an an internal astringent, helping to check excessive menstrual flow, or urinary problems such as hematuria.

Digestive conditions including colitis or diarhea will benfit by the reduction of fluid or blood loss.

Periwinkle is also used as an internal styptic in nose bleeds, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats.

Lesser periwinkle's major alkaloid, vincamine, has vasodilating, blood thinning, and memory-enhancing actions. Double-blind studies have shown it to increase the flow of blood to the brain, thus alleviating vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory and hearing loss. Other periwinkle alklaoids have indicated usefulness for glaucoma.

It is periwinkle's tannins that are astringent.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Both species of Periwinkle are used in medicine for their acrid, astringent and tonic properties. Culpepper says that it: 'stays bleeding at the mouth and nose, if it be chewed . . and may be used with advantage in hysteric and other fits.... It is good in nervous disorders, the young tops made into a conserve is good for the night-mare. The small periwinkle [Vinca minor] possesses all the virtues of the other kind [Vinca major] and may very properly supply its place.'

'Used in herbal practice for its astringent and tonic properties in menorrhagia and in haemorrhages generally. For obstructions of mucus in the intestines and lungs, diarrhoea, congestions, haemorrhages, etc., Periwinkle Tea is a good remedy.'