by Steve Tanham
The long stems of the periwinkle, vinca major, were used to make garlands and their Latin name comes from vincio, ‘to bind’. Periwinkles have been used medicinally for centuries, principally for its astringent qualities and to help stop bleeding. It is also used by herbalists to help diabetes. In folk medicine, an ointment of lard and the bruised leaves was used to reduce inflammation. Its older herbal history, though, is somewhat more colourful.
One old name for the plant is ‘cut finger’, referring no doubt to its ability to stop bleeding.
In Germany it was known as the Flower of Immortality, while in Italy it was flower of death and used to garland the biers of children.
In Macer’s 16thC herbal it is referred to it by one of its common names as Joy of the Ground. Another name is violette des sorciers… the sorcerer’s violet and…
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Sun in Gemini 
Thanks Steve x
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