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NAME:
Periwinkle is the common name for herbs of the genus Vinca, of the family Apocynaceae. Vinca minor is known as lesser periwinkle, and is completely different from Vinca rosea (Madagascar - the proper name is Catharantus roseus) which contains anticancer active ingredients.
DESCRIPTION:
The Vinca minor is indigenous to many parts of Europe, growing in woods and thickets. The small, tapered, glossy green leaves of this evergreen ground cover grow on trailing stems to a height of 6 inches. In early spring, many small, star-shaped, lilac-blue, purple or white flowers appear. The leaves are opposite and evergreen. The flowers grow individually or in pairs from the axis of the leaves. Periwinkle roots where it touches the ground, and does best in light shade and moist rich soil.
HISTORICAL USES:
Historically it had a reputation of a magic plant; Europeans thought it could ward off evil spirits, and the French referred to it as "violet of the sorcerers". The plant has historically been used to treat a wide assortment of diseases. It was used as a folk remedy for diabetes in Europe for centuries. In China it was used as an astringent, diuretic and cold remedy. Throughout the Caribbean, an extract was used to make a solution to treat eye irritation and infections. In Central and South America, it was used as a homemade cold remedy to ease lung congestion and inflammation and sore throats.
Western researches finally noticed the plant in the 1950's. They discovered the plant contains a mother lode of useful alkaloids.
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