What effect does the grapevine have?
The healing powers of the red grapevine (Vitis vinifera var. tinctoria) are found in its leaves and fruits, i.e. the grapes with the seeds (pips).
The leaves of the red vine contain flavonoids, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. On the one hand, the ingredients act against water retention in the body (oedema) – also preventively, by sealing the walls of the finest blood vessels (capillaries) and thus inhibiting the escape of fluid into the surrounding tissue.
Red vine leaves also have an anti-inflammatory effect, can intercept cell-damaging free radicals in the blood (antioxidant effect) and inhibit the clumping of blood platelets and thus the formation of blood clots.
Thanks to positive study results and many years of experience, the internal use of grapevine leaves for symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (chronic venous insufficiency, CVI) is therefore medically recognized. These symptoms include swelling, pain and heaviness in the legs, itching and tightness in the calves and calf cramps. Many patients also develop varicose veins. Vine is also used externally for varicose veins and spider veins.
Traditionally, grapevine leaves are used for hemorrhoids to relieve the burning and itching in the anal region.
The most important ingredients include antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Their possible effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s is the subject of research.
How is grapevine used?
To ensure a good effect, you take the leaves of the grapevine in the form of standardized finished medicinal products such as grapevine capsules or lozenges. Dry or liquid extracts of the plant parts are used to make the preparations.
Please consult the relevant package leaflet and your doctor or pharmacist for information on the correct use and dosage.
If you prefer not to use ready-made preparations, you can prepare a tea from red vine leaves. However, the effectiveness of this cannot be guaranteed due to fluctuating amounts of active ingredients.
To prepare the tea, pour about 150 milliliters of boiling water over three to six grams of dried and finely chopped red vine leaves. Strain the leaves after 10 to 15 minutes. Drink a cup of vine leaf tea two to three times a day to support the health of your veins. No more than 20 grams of dried vine leaves should be prepared and consumed as tea every day.
Grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement. Your pharmacist can advise you on the correct use.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
What side effects can grapevine cause?
Taking grapevine leaves can cause skin irritation (itching, rash, etc.), nausea and other gastrointestinal complaints as well as headaches. In addition, the urine may turn greenish-brown during ingestion, but this is harmless.
Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken in moderate amounts.
What you should bear in mind when using grapevine
Adhere to the dosage and duration of use recommended in the package leaflet or by your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have inflamed skin, thrombosis or hardening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue, you should always seek medical advice before using Red Vine. This also applies to severe pain, ulcers or swelling of the legs as well as cardiac or renal insufficiency.
Grape seed extract may not be suitable for people who have a blood clotting disorder, are taking anticoagulant medication (such as warfarin or acetylsalicylic acid = ASA) or are about to undergo surgery.
How to obtain the grapevine and its products
In your pharmacy or drugstore you will find a wide variety of ready-to-use medicines based on grapevine. For correct use, please read the relevant package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Grapevine: What is it?
The grapevine or vine (Vitis vinifera) is a woody climbing plant that is native to the Caucasus. It is now cultivated almost worldwide in numerous varieties, primarily for wine production.
Grapevines belong to the grapevine family (Vitaceae). They cling to the ground with adhesive organs on their tendrils and can thus climb several meters into the air. The heart-shaped, five to seven-lobed leaves characteristic of grapevines grow on the widely branched tendrils.
The red grapevine (Vitis vinifera var. tinctoria) is used medicinally. This cultivar has red leaves and red berries with red flesh.
