Doctor Bon

Catharanthus roses or Periwinkle is often linked with the graveyard as it thrives there without much care. The flowers and leaves of this herbaceous plant would never find its place in a garland, bouquet or in a maids hair as the odour emitted by the plant is so bad that is always brings out a negative response in any individual. However, of late this plant has gained great popularity for its medicinal use. The plant may have a few branches and grows to about 50 cm. high. The glossy leaves are oblong in shape. The flowers are normally white or a purplish-pink on color. The fruit is somewhat cylindrical with a length of about 2-3 cm. It is seen growing in some gardens, seashores and sandy areas.

Herbal use

1. Said to be anticarcinogenic or an agent which works against cancer.
2. It used for diabetes.
3. It used for diarrhea.
4. It used as a vermifuge or a substance which expels worms from the body.
5. Good remedy for toothache and works wells as a purgative.

Instructions

1. The extract of the fresh leaf is said to be anticarcinogenic.
2. The infusion of the leaves is used in diarrhea and diabetes.
3. The decoction of the root is a vermifuge, a good remedy for toothache and works well as a purgative.

Major parts used

The roots and the leaves.