The periwinkle- catharanthus roseus- is a very popular garden flower/plant in the Caribbean.  (It is also known as the rosy periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle and Old Maid.) Many like it because it’s pretty resilient and gives colour to their garden all year round- when other flowers may give up the ghost for a spell or two.

You may have seen the periwinkle with its very glossy green oval leaves and white, pink or purple/lavender flowers. But, this garden plant (considered a weed by some) isn’t just a pretty white/ pink/purple face.

For many years, the periwinkle has been treasured by West Indians for its purported medicinal properties. And, it has undergone much testing in the pharmaceutical world.  In the latter case, the plant has been found to contain substances (vinvlastine and vincristine). These are two very powerful chemotherapy drugs which are used in the treatment of leukemia and certain types of cancers. See collaborating stories and mentions  here and here or here.

With regards to traditional use, periwinkle tea-made from the leaves/flowers and/or stems and taken regularly has long been considered a remedy for diabetes as well as hypertension. Now, mind you, the making of periwinkle tea is not the sort of thing which is left up to the uninitiated. I remember it being explained to me that periwinkle tea was one of many teas which needed a more trained hand than usual.

One regular user advised the use of 5-10 leaves and flowers boiled together for a daily cup of tea. Another very experienced periwinkle tea maker, drinker, and lover warned that unmoderated use (e.g, too much leaves and flowers to make the brew) could have unwanted side effects such as fainting or a severe drop in blood pressure.

Apart from being used for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension, the tea is also recommended as a nerves calmer and for sleeplessness as well as fatigue fatigue. For stomach pains affiliated with bloating and gas, a tea made of periwinkle and bay leaves is supposedly a most right remedy. And the tea, just plain periwinkle tea now, is also purported to be useful for improved digestion, heavy menstrual flow, relief from diarrhea and serious battle with a determined cough and cold.

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)