ENGLISH NAME: Field bindweed
LATIN NAME: Convolvulus arvensis
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Svlačec rolní
Turkey: Tarla sarmaşığı
Bulgaria: Полската поветица
Georgia: მინდვრის ქაცვი (Mindvris katsvi)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: South Moravia (Czechia), Central Anatolia (Turkey), Thracian Plain
(Bulgaria), Kakheti (Georgia)
Elevation: 0–1500 meters
Terrain: Fields, vineyards, roadsides, disturbed soils, and grasslands
DESCRIPTION:
A perennial, twining vine with slender stems, arrow-shaped leaves, and trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically white to pale pink with darker stripes. It spreads aggressively through both seed and rhizomes, often
considered a troublesome weed in agriculture. Despite this, it has a long history of medicinal use.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts –
leaves, stems, flowers; occasionally roots
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a mild laxative and diuretic. It has also been applied for liver support and as a purgative. Some folk uses include treatment for fevers and inflammation, although its activity is mild.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause cramping or diarrhea if overused. Not recommended during pregnancy or for prolonged use due to purgative properties.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Occasionally combined with gentler herbs like chamomile or fennel to moderate its laxative effect.
PREPARATION:
Can be used as an infusion from dried leaves and flowers, though modern herbalism rarely employs it due to limited potency and potential toxicity with frequent use. Roots have also been used in stronger decoctions traditionally.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to late summer, when flowering occurs.
HARVEST METHOD:
Clip above-ground parts on dry days. Use gloves when handling large quantities due to skin irritation potential in some individuals.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry quickly in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Store in paper or cloth bags in a dry place away from light. Best used within one season.
Note: While field bindweed has
historical medicinal use, its invasive nature and limited therapeutic profile mean it’s rarely used in modern herbalism. Use with caution and awareness of its strong spreading habit in gardens and fields.