Catharanthus roseus: How to Use Home Remedies

 Catharanthus roseus: How to Use Home Remedies

Catharanthus roseus flower

Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle, Sadabahar, or Nityakalyani, is a beautiful flowering plant often grown in gardens for its ornamental value. But beyond its beauty, this plant has long been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties, particularly in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine systems. Originally native to Madagascar, Catharanthus roseus is now grown worldwide, including in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and tropical parts of Africa and the Americas.

In this article, we explore how you can safely and effectively use Catharanthus roseus as a home remedy for various minor ailments, based on traditional practices.

⚠️ Important Note Before Use:

Catharanthus roseus contains alkaloids (like vincristine and vinblastine) that are extremely potent and used in modern medicine to treat cancer. However, self-medication in high doses is dangerous. The home remedies mentioned here are for minor external or traditional uses only and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before internal use.

1. Managing Diabetes (Under Guidance Only):

In traditional medicine, Catharanthus roseus leaves are used for controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

How to Use (With Caution):

• Take 2–3 fresh, washed leaves in the morning.
• Chew them on an empty stomach, or boil them in water and drink the decoction.
• Use only under medical supervision, as it may interact with prescribed diabetes medications.

Note: Overuse can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or toxicity. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

2. Wound Healing and Skin Infections:

Catharanthus roseus leaves have antibacterial and wound-healing properties, making them effective for treating minor cuts, boils, and skin infections.

Catharanthus flowers

How to Prepare a Leaf Paste:

• Crush a few fresh leaves into a smooth paste.
• Apply directly to the affected area after cleaning it with water.
• Cover with a clean bandage and change once or twice daily.

This remedy helps reduce inflammation, prevents bacterial growth, and accelerates wound closure.

3. Using Flowers for Eye Irritation:

In folk medicine, Catharanthus flowers (especially white or pink) are considered soothing and are sometimes used for eye irritation.

How to Use:

• Boil clean white flowers in water and let it cool completely.
• Strain the water through a clean cloth.
• Use this cooled solution as an eye wash for tired or irritated eyes (external use only).

Caution: Do not use if you wear contact lenses or have a serious eye infection. Consult an eye doctor for persistent symptoms.

4. Anti-Dandruff Hair Rinse:

The antifungal properties of the plant are sometimes used in home remedies to treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

How to Make a Hair Rinse:

• Boil a handful of leaves in 2 cups of water.
• Let the decoction cool and strain.
• After shampooing, pour this water over your scalp as a final rinse.
• Use once or twice weekly.

This may help reduce scalp irritation and flakiness.

5. Catharanthus Tea for Immunity (Mild Decoction Only):

In traditional systems, a very mild decoction of the plant (especially white-flowered varieties) is sometimes used for improving immunity or treating mild fever.

How to Make:

• Boil 2–3 leaves in a cup of water for 5–7 minutes.
• Strain and drink warm.
• Limit intake to once every few days and do not use long-term.

Again, caution is advised, especially if you are taking medications or have a chronic illness.

Safety and Precautions:

• Toxicity Warning: The plant contains powerful alkaloids. Large doses or internal use without guidance can be harmful.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid entirely.
• Children: Do not use internally for children.
• Allergic Reaction: Do a patch test before using the paste on the skin.

 

Conclusion:

Catharanthus roseus (Sadabahar) is a wonderful plant with both ornamental beauty and medicinal value. It has been used traditionally for treating diabetes, skin issues, and boosting general health. While modern research supports some of its properties, its potent chemical composition means that caution is essential. Used wisely, especially for external applications and minor remedies, it can be a valuable addition to your natural home remedy toolkit. However, always prioritize safety and consult a qualified health professional for any serious or long-term condition.