Have you ever tweaked your normal run-of-the-mill day with a little sprinkle of joy? Like an unexpected 20-minute walk with my Alsatian, Luther? Well, guess what, this blog post is all about a natural sprinkle of health courtesy – the Madagascar Periwinkle. It's not just your ordinary plant, it has extraordinary healing possibilities that if taken advantage of, can introduce you to a healthier and happier version of yourself. And who doesn't want to explore that, right?
The Madagascar Periwinkle, or as botanists like to call it, Catharanthus Roseus, got its name from its cute, asterisk-like flowers that paint the landscape of Madagascar with a bright pop of colors. High five if like me, you're a die-hard fan of ‘Madagascar’, the movie. I sometimes imagine Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria prancing around these flowering periwinkles, and it's a delightful image!
Unbeknownst to many, the power of the Madagascar Periwinkle extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It's like that friend of yours who's not just a looker but also, surprise, surprise, a nerdy brainiac. The plant, indigenous to Madagascar (just in case the name didn't give it away completely), Malaysia, and India, has been widely used for medicinal purposes throughout history.
Your shock might be similar to the one I had when Luther one day, out of the blue, decided to fetch the newspaper for me. "Wow, Luther, you can do that too?". Yep, the Madagascar Periwinkle is rich in numerous health-benefiting alkaloids, the big bosses of the medicine world. Filled with over 70 potential alkaloids, many of which are used in cancer treatments, it's a surprise this tiny shrub hasn't gotten the same fanfare as avocados or blueberries.
If there's one thing we've learned from being relentlessly chased by Luther around the house, it's that you don't always have to look far for a quick sprint of fun. Similarly, the Madagascar Periwinkle, a seemingly standard part of the landscape, packs a power punch when it comes to health benefits. Like when we starting using it as a dietary supplement, was the proverbial moment when a bell went 'Ding Ding Ding!' in our heads. And if that ain't enough to convince you to incorporate this little powerhouse in your diet, hold tight and read on.
First things first, the Madagascar Periwinkle is super low-maintenance. If you're as forgetful as me and watering plants seems as big a task as scaling Mt Everest, here's a plant that'll don the cape of the elusive low-maintenance best friend. The alkaloids present in the plant can be used to treat ailments as consequential as cancer, diabetes, malaria, Hodgkin's disease to everyday boo-boos like sore throat or eye irritation. We swear by its anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic properties while it raises its imaginary sword for the fight against colon and lung cancer.
A happier life is like the surprise lick on the face from Luther, it can come from the most unexpected places, like a common shrub white flowers. The experience of witnessing the healing effects of the Madagascar Periwinkle first-hand is like watching Luther stand guard over me when I'm unwell. It's loving, protective, and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Apart from its core health benefits, it's a proven stress reliever, much like a joyful round of play with Luther. The compounds in this plant are known to soothe the nerves, calm the mind, and as a result, indirectly aid in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. Plus, traditional systems of medicine believe this little shrub to have magical detoxifying properties. And we all know how important it is to detox amidst our busy, fast-paced lives. Whether it's getting a detoxifying facial or spending an hour playing catch with Luther, we all deserve that calming 'me time'.
To sum up, the Madagascar Periwinkle may not have the popularity of a Kardashian yet, but it's gradually making a breakthrough in mainstream health and wellness circles. So, let's harness its potential and say yes to a better life. A happy, healthy journey awaits us. It's about time we shook hands with this wonder plant and welcomed the change. Here’s raising a toast (a healthy one, of course) adorning garlands of, yes, you guessed it, Madagascar Periwinkles!