Periwinkle
Periwinkle, also known as Sadabahar, is the ‘ever-blooming blossom’ with a well-known flower that has been used in modern medicine and herbal remedies. It is also called ‘Madagascar Periwinkle’ in English, ‘Nayantara’ in Bengali, ‘Ushamalari’ in Malayalam, and ‘Sadapushpa’ in Hindi.
Periwinkle is part of the evergreen family and can grow to 6 feet. Although the plant is native to Madagascar, it is found throughout the world. It is highly branched and develops a woody base, with flowers that can bloom throughout the year depending on the climate. The flowers are often bred for their unique colors, ranging from white to green-yellow and lavender. The seed pod dries, splits, and releases numerous tiny seeds. The stem produces a milky sap that is rich in indole alkaloids, which are useful for:
- Prevention from various cancer types such as cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer
- Helps to lower inflammation in the body
- With its antioxidant properties, it combats harmful free radicals
- It assists body to get rid of toxins and also cleanse the system
- It helps to maintain estrogen balance
Periwinkle herb is a perennial that has long been used for improving brain health by increasing blood circulation in the brain, supporting brain metabolism, increasing mental productivity, preventing memory and concentration problems, and preventing early aging of brain cells.
Researchers believe that periwinkle’s brain benefits come from the active compounds in the herb, reserpine and vincamine. Reserpine is an alkaloid with powerful effects on blood pressure and mood. Vincamine is a compound used for general brain health. The vincamine in periwinkle is believed to be valuable for enhancing memory, which means that it may be beneficial for treating helping with degenerative brain issues. Due to these powerful compounds, research suggests that periwinkle herb may be one of the best herbs for memory recall and enhancing memory in patients with cognitive decline.
These powerful antioxidants and flavonoids improve the memory capacity, concentration, calmness, focus, and alertness. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, people consuming extracts of periwinkle have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective elements in the plant not only prevent loss of memory by slowing early aging of brain cells but also facilitates proper blood circulation in the brain tissues and relieve tension from the brain.
According to two scientists from Canada who experimented with periwinkle, it can prevent and treat cancer. It contains alkaloids that helped lower the count of blood cells, possibly offering a cure for various types of cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin disease. Consult a doctor before adding periwinkle to your supplements.
Periwinkle is known for its potential to curb bleeding and enhancing healing. The oil extracted from the leaves of Periwinkle could help in curing nose bleeds and irritated gums. It could also be used to ease the bleeding hemorrhoids. Being a good styptic by nature, this herb is powerful enough to regulate excessive bleeding during menstruation and menopause.
The extract of this plant can be applied topically to ease various skin ailments, including dermatitis, eczema, and acne. It can also be used as a powerful natural cure for wasp and bee stings. Periwinkle has been studied for potential antimicrobial and anti-protozoal applications, as well as for use in diabetes and wound healing
The excellent hypoglycemic property of periwinkle plays a significant role in alleviating blood sugar. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in taking this flower extract. Periwinkle helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose level Periwinkle has been an integral part of ancient medications to lower blood sugar levels and keep diabetes under control. Periwinkle tea is still used across the globe widely to manage diabetes. If you are already taking diabetic medications, make sure you do not consume the tea in excess quantities as it could lead to hypoglycemia.
Periwinkle tea can be used as a solution for healing sore and strep throat infections. Use the tea as a gargle for your throat infections. Do it twice or thrice a day, but make sure you are not overdoing it as it could be lethal. Periwinkle has rich astringent properties that make it an excellent solution for canker sores. Use the periwinkle tea as a mouth rinse to ease the oral sores’ pain and inflammation and promote better healing.
Periwinkle acts as a natural antihypertensive agent which normalizes the blood pressure levels and keeps it under check. By improving the heart functions, it enhances cardiovascular endurance which brings the blood pressure to a stable level to achieve balanced readings.
A closely related semisynthetic derivative of vincamine (periwinkle’s active constituent) most widely used as medicine is known as ethyl-apovincaminate or vinpocetine. It has been shown in double-blind studies to help alleviate a type of dementia known as vascular dementia, in which the arteries supplying blood to the brain develop atherosclerotic plaques periwinkle is a potent traditional remedy to increase the functioning of the brain.
Periwinkle helps in effectively curing various digestive conditions, including diarrhea and gastritis.
This herb is known to be beneficial for various renal system conditions such as cystitis and calcium buildup due to dialysis.
According to those who have tried it, the herb could treat vertigo, tinnitus, headaches, edema, and vaginal discharge.
It is advisable to refrain from using this herb if you have low blood pressure or constipation. People with a history of liver, lung, or kidney diseases should also avoid this herb. Pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children, also shouldn’t take it.
Take the advice of your doctor before you use this herb.
How to Buy
I like Vinpocetine from Life Extension. Do not exceed the dose of one tablet, one to three times a day with meals.
You can buy periwinkle tea in bulk from Starwest Botanicals.
Buy periwinkle extract from Herb Pharm.
How to Store
Store all supplements of periwinkle in a cool, dry place.