Herb guide › Periwinkle

Periwinkle

A flowering plant traditionally referring to Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle). Although it has important pharmaceutical compounds, the whole plant is not appropriate as a routine herbal tea because it contains potent alkaloids.

Traditionally used for

Memory loss

Potential benefits

Source plant for medically important alkaloids; historically studied for circulation and as a cancer therapy adjunct — contains vincamine, historically associated with brain health and blood flow research.

Ingredients

Catharanthus roseus leaf/aerial parts (Periwinkle)

Origin

Madagascar; now cultivated throughout tropical regions

How it is traditionally prepared

1 tsp dried flowering/8 oz water, steep 5–10 minutes. 1 cup per day, occasionally.

Cautions and who should avoid it

Potentially toxic. Contains vinca alkaloids with powerful effects on cells and the nervous system. Do not use as an unsupervised tea, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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