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Vinca is a medicinal plant of the Catharantus roseus or Vinca rosea species, also known as goodnight or madagascar vinca, rich in alkaloids that give it healing, diuretic and antidiabetic properties, and therefore, it is popularly used as home remedy for wound healing, diabetes or high blood pressure.
In addition, vinca alkaloids have anticancer action, being widely used in the industry for the production of chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of some types of cancer, such as leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma or Kaposi's sarcoma, for example.
Vinca should only be used with the guidance of a doctor or other he alth professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants, as it has toxic effects such as a decrease in the body's defense cells and platelets, increasing the risk of infection or bleeding.
What is it for
Because of its medicinal properties, vinca is usually indicated for:
- Diabetes;
- High blood pressure;
- Swelling;
- Wound healing;
- Skin infection;
- Insect bite.
In addition, vinca is indicated for the treatment of some types of cancer, due to its anticancer properties, in which case it should only be used in the form of medicines produced in the laboratory, such as vincristine, vinblastine or vindesina, used in hospitals with oncologist indication.
While it has he alth benefits, vinca is not a substitute for medical treatment and should only be used under the guidance of a physician or herbalist.
How to use
The parts normally used for the vinca are the flowers or leaves for making tea. However, as it is a toxic plant, doses for tea preparation depend on factors such as age and he alth status.
Therefore, its use should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or a professional with experience in medicinal plants, with individualized doses.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with vinca are skin redness, marked decrease in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, hearing loss, dizziness, nerve problems, intoxication in the liver or seizures.
In addition, vinca can lead to a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, and increase the risk of infections or bleeding.
Who should not use
Vinca should not be used by pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage or fetal defects. This plant should also not be used during breastfeeding or by children.
Vinca should also be avoided by people who use antidiabetic drugs, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and lead to the appearance of symptoms of hypoglycemia such as excessive sweating, nervousness, agitation, tremors, mental confusion, palpitations or faint.
It is important to emphasize that the use of the vinca should only be done after the doctor or herbalist has indicated it.
