Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Medicinal Use: Periwinkle alkaloids have been used in the treatment of leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, malignant lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides, to improve cerebral blood flow, and treat high blood pressure.
Magickal Use: Periwinkle is considered the patron herb of witches. It is associated with Venus, the Goddess, and the element of Water. Dried periwinkle flowers or periwinkle root may be used in love-drawing spells and charms, and the dried leaves are used in hoodoo to promote sexual desire and pleasure. Periwinkle leaves are said to protect against evil, baneful spirits, snakes, poison, wild beasts and terror. The dried leaves are good for smudging to clear away negative energy. Periwinkle is also associated with memory; specifically, gazing at a periwinkle flower is said to bring back lost memories.