Periwinkle is also used for treating diarrhea , vaginal discharge, throat ailments, tonsillitis, chest pain, high blood pressure, sore throat, intestinal pain and swelling (inflammation), toothache, and water retention (edema).
What is periwinkle herb good for?
Periwinkle is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores . The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. More. Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores.
What part of periwinkle is used for medicine?
Madagascar periwinkle is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine. Madagascar periwinkle is used for diabetes, cancer, sore throat, cough, insect bite, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Why is periwinkle called flower of death?
Periwinkle, an evergreen trailing groundcover, is a common invader throughout most of the United States. It is native to Europe, where it was commonly known in folklore as the “flower of death” because its vines were woven into headbands worn by dead children or criminals on their way to execution.
What diseases can the periwinkle plant be used to treat?
Life saver. This pretty plant from Madagascar gives us two very important cancer-fighting medicines: vinblastine and vincristine. Vincristine has helped increase the chance of surviving childhood leukaemia from 10% to 90%, while vinblastine is used to treat Hodgkins’ Disease .
Is periwinkle plant poisonous?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are toxic but symptoms are unlikely from small ingestions. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, nerve damage, headache and hallucinations.
Is it safe to take periwinkle?
When taken by mouth: Periwinkle is UNSAFE . It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage. Large amounts can cause very low blood pressure.
Is periwinkle poisonous to dogs?
What is Periwinkle Poisoning? The periwinkle, or Catharanthus roseus, is a popular flowering plant used for ground cover, decorative houseplants, and garden plants. ... Since this periwinkle contains these alkaloids, if ingested by dogs, they can be poisonous and cause a variety of side effects.
Is periwinkle good for skin?
Some people apply Madagascar periwinkle directly to the skin to stop bleeding ; relieve insect bites, wasp stings, and eye irritation; and treat infections and swelling (inflammation).
How quickly does periwinkle spread?
At a 6-inch spacing periwinkle will completely cover an area in one year . Plant whenever the soil is workable and provide sufficient water, especially when planting in summer.
What does periwinkle symbolize?
Periwinkle represents serenity, calmness, winter, and ice . It can also symbolize blossoming friendships, sentimental memories, and everlasting love.
Is periwinkle considered invasive?
First introduced to California for ornamental and medicinal purposes, big periwinkle has escaped garden landscaping and is now invasive in coastal counties, the foothills, the central valley, and some desert counties . Big periwinkle spreads rapidly, especially in riparian areas, creeks, and drainages.
Is periwinkle toxic to cats?
If large quantities are ingested, liver failure is possible . Some know it as Madagascar periwinkle, others as running myrtle, but either way, vinca is a powerful and beautiful plant.
Can you eat periwinkles raw?
Since periwinkles are considered an invasive species, there are no regulations on harvesting them. They are small and time-consuming to eat, but they are truly delicious and make the perfect free snack from the sea. To eat them, simply steam them for about 3 to 4 minutes and then toss with some melted butter.
What is the difference between vinca and periwinkle?
Periwinkle is the common name for this pretty plant that belongs to the dogbane or Apocynaceae family. ... Vinca major and vinca minor are shade-loving ground covers, and vinca vine is a trailer with variegated leaves often used in window boxes and containers.
How do you take care of periwinkle plants?
The periwinkle plant grows best in a partially shaded area in acidic soil ; however, it can thrive in a variety of sunlight and soil conditions. Growing periwinkle in partial shade creates more vigorous growth. In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area.
