Vinca rosea ( shavam nari) ശവം നാറി

Vinca rosea(Shavam nari) belongs to family Apocynaceae. It s medicinal uses have been discovered in the recent times. The common names of the herb are Periwinkle, Sadabahar, Madagaskar Periwinkle and Rosy Periwinkle. The herb mostly grows in waste lands and sandy places. Roots and leaves are used in medicines. The herb has various medicinal importance. It contains various alkaloids which are sedative, hypotensive, tranquilizer and anti-cancerous.
Medicinal Uses of Vinca rosea
   The herb has following medicinal properties:

• Anti-carcinogenic – The herb has two anti-carcinogenic compounds such as vincristine and vinblastine which have been found to be effective in the cure of various types of cancers.
• Anti-diabetic – The herb is also effective in the treatment of diabetes as it has the property to lower the blood sugar.
• Hypotensive – Vinca lowers the blood pressure in high blood pressure patients.
• Sedative – The herb has calming properties and also relieves from the depression like symptoms.
• Tranquilizer – Vinca relieves anxiety, thus it has tranquilizing properties.

Vinca rosea also helps in relieving depression of central nervous system, muscle pain and wasps stings. Herbal remedies made with this herb help relieve toothache, memory loss and blood circulation. It also has other benefits like the herb is used for fragrance and also for dyeing.
Caution for Vinca rosea

• The herb should not be administered self.
• Pregnant women should avoid taking this herb.