Rosy periwinkle is an evergreen shrub with small white or pink or purple flowers that is found in most tropical and subtropical countries. It is known botanically as Catharanthus roseus. It is also called Madagascar periwinkle, cape periwinkle or rose periwinkle. In Nigeria, it is called apabida pupa (Yoruba),Rosy periwinkle is widely used for decorative purposes but has a lot of medicinal uses traditionally.
Catharanthus roseus has the following properties for healing;
- Antioxidant
- Anti inflammatory
- Anticarcinogenic
- Hypotensive
- Hypoglaecemic
- Antibacterial
- anti allergic
- Tranquilising
- Antitumour
- Diuretic
- Vermifuge
- Depurative
- Hemostatic
- Purgative
- Astrigent
Traditional rosy periwinkle as been widely used in Africa, Jamaica, India and many other parts of the world to heal and treat the following;- Diabetes
- Infections
- Menstrual issues
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatism and arthritis
- Eye inflammation
- Insect stings
- Malaria
- Memory loss
- External bleeding
- Sore throat
- Tooth ache
- Asthma, lung congestion and respiratory issues
- Dyspepsia
- Stomach cramps
- Intestinal parasites
All parts of the plant have medicinal uses including the flowers.
Just like a lot of plants, rosy periwinkle has a lot of medicinal and healing properties that we need to explore and use more.
If you have used Catharanthus roseus for healing or have more information about this plant and its parts, please share with a feedback.
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