Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a medicinal flower and herb that has been used for thousands of years due to its antibiotic, antibacterial, analgesic, and hypotensive properties. Periwinkle contains an alkaloid known as vincamine which is known to be highly beneficial for tinnitus (ringing in the ear), presbyacusis (hearing loss due to aging), vertigo, headaches, glaucoma, and strokes. Periwinkle also has vasodilating, blood thinning, and memory- enhancing abilities which makes it excellent for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and short-term memory loss. It also contains potent anti-cancer compounds and is often used for leukemia, neuroblastoma, lymphomas, Hodgkin’s disease, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and Wilm’s tumor. Periwinkle has anti-inflammatory properties and is a great natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and atherosclerosis. Periwinkle tea is wonderful for easing anxiety/nervousness, reducing heavy menstruation, improving memory, and for reducing blood pressure. To make the tea, simply add 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb to 2 cups of hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes or more, sweeten with raw honey if desired. Topically, periwinkle can help disinfect and stop the bleeding in wounds. Simply crush fresh periwinkle leaves (or soak dried herb in a small amount of water for 30 minutes) and apply directly to the affected area and wrap with a clean bandage. It also is highly effective as a mouthwash for canker sores and bleeding gums. Periwinkle herb can be found in tea, capsule, tincture, extract, and salve form online or at your local health food store.