Sunday, August 21, 2011

Pink Periwinkle/Today's Flower #50

@ mirandablue
Periwinkle, Chichirica, Catharanthus roseus
Study of the leaf juice showed that it lowers blood glucose supporting its Ayurvedic use for diabetes.  The anti-cancer drugs, vincristine and vinblastine, are derived from the alkaloids of periwinkle.   Extract from leaves has potential anti-bacterial agents, it also aids in wound healing, and has antioxidants.  In folk medicine, it is being used for dysmenorrhea and high blood pressure; juice of leaves is used for bee stings, flower decoction is used for asthma, root decoction maybe abortive, and is used for intestinal parasiticism. Source

"Whoever loves and understands a garden will find contentment within." 
~ Chinese Proverb

@ mirandablue


See flowers from around the world at Today's Flowers

4 comments:

SquirrelQueen said...

I had no idea this lovely little flower had so many medicinal uses. I love that proverb!

DeniseinVA said...

The healing powers of plants and their flowers are amazing. Very interesting post and I loved your photos. Thanks so much!

LifeRamblings said...

interesting information. i've these plants growing in my garden too but wasn't aware of its health benefits.

Laura said...

Beautiful flowers and interesting information ♥