Contents
Benefits of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
A detail of the plant with the flowers |
Common noun: Field bindweed
Scientific noun: Convolvulus arvensis L.
Family. Bindweed family -Convolvulaceae-
Habitat: By the side of the paths, grasslands and cultivated lands.
Characteristics Field bindweed
Perennial herb of the bindweed family – Convolvulaceae – till to 2 m. long. Clambering or creeping liana growing from slim rhizomes.
Saggitate leaves till 5 cm long. petiolated.
Funnel-shaped leaves, white or with pink bands, stalked till 3 cm wide. 5 sepals, non- acute, glabrous.
Fruit in capsule.
Picking up and storing Field bindweed
The flowers should be harvested from Spring to first third of Autumn. They should be dried in the shade and stored in a closed and dark place.
Components of Field bindweed
– Gummy resin
– Caffeic acid
– Saponoids
– Cuscohygrine (alkaloid)
Medicinal properties of Field bindweed
Internal use
– Laxative: It is considered as a mild laxative by the acation of the resin (Infusion of 10 gr. of dry leaves. A cup before going to bed.
– Purgative: When a thicker preparation than the one seen above is taken, this plant achieves a purgative effect. It is advised not to take it for a long period of time, because it may produce irritations in the digestive tract. Do not administer during pregnancy or brast-feeding.(Decoction of 20 gr. of dry leaves for 6 minutes. Drink a cup in the mornings before breakfast)
More information about natural medicine.