Often linked with graveyards, periwinkle would never be part of a bouquet or a garland due to its bad smell which complements the place where it thrives the most, the cemetery. In fact, periwinkle thrives in almost any area without much care resulting to the curiousity of many how this herbaceous plant can survive even in the oddest of places.

PHOTO SOURCE: OUR HOME PORCH

Herbalists investigated the medicinal properties of this plant, if there was any, and found that this bad smelling plant is said to be anti-carcinogenic, which means something that fights against cancer. In the following sections, you will see other medicinal properties of this plant.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Periwinkle grows to about 2 feet high and may have only few branches. Leaves are oblong in shape and glossy. Its flowers may be pink and/or white and the fruit is cylindrical that grows about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches. Periwinkles thrive in gardens, sandy locations, and may also be grown in pots, like what we have at home.

PHOTO SOURCE: OUR HOME PORCH

PARTS USED

Only the leaves and the roots are used as medicine.

DOSAGE

The dosage is NORMAL. Please refer to HOME AND INDIGENOUS...INTRODUCTION post to learn about normal dosage.

MEDICINAL USE

1. Anti-carcinogenic or having medicinal properties that fight off cancer.
2. Good for managing diabetes.
3. Helps relieve diarrhea.
4. Acts as vermifuge or an agent that expels worms from the body.
5. Serves as purgative and a good remedy for toothache.

PREPARATIONS

Visit HOME AND INDIGENOUS...INTRODUCTION for detailed information on preparations.

1. The extracted juice of the fresh leaves is said to have anti-carcinogenic substance that can fight off cancer cells. (See image below)
2. To use for diabetes or diarrhea, prepare an infusion of the fresh leaves.
3. As vermifuge, gather the roots and prepare a decoction, which also is good for curing toothache and serves as purgative.

Remember: When symptoms persist, consult a physician.

DISCLAIMER: All information, practices, and procedures have been PERSONALLY applied to my case. You may have different issues of the same symptoms, therefore, use the information here with caution. I am not a medical doctor nor a herbalist. But most of the applications have worked for me. It may work or may not work in your case. Consult a physician when in doubt.

Come follow @cjclaro for updates in this series of herbal medicine.