I’m not a botanist by any means, so sometimes I run across an herb and I am stumped if it’s one thing or another. This is one of those times, so I’d like to share my newly acquired knowledge.
This plant could be Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), but it could also be Hedge Bindweed (Convolvulus sepium or Calystegia sepium). According to my sources, if you don’t have the two side by side to compare, the flower which has bracts (the leaf immediately below the flower on the stem) that are far away from the sepal (the green part holding up the flower), is Field Bindweed. If the bracts cover the sepal, then it is Hedge Bindweed. They are also different in size, but since I don’t carry around a ruler, I thought the other method was easier.
For most of North America, the Hedge Bindweed is native but does not grow in all areas. The Field Bindweed is an introduced species and grows everywhere in North America. So if you are in California and you see a wild vine with Morning Glory flowers on it, it’s more likely to be the Field Bindweed. I’ve since determined that the one I have found in my neighborhood, and pretty much anywhere I have been checking is Hedge Bindweed.
Regardless of which species, it is a very pretty plant that can apply a chokehold to other plants strong enough to destroy them, especially with corn crops. For this reason, it can be considered quite a nuisance by farmers and gardeners.
The roots of the Hedge bindweed are demulcent, diuretic, fever-reducing, cholagogue, and strongly purgative. And it’s edible, but you probably wouldn’t want to eat too much because of the purgative actions. The roots should be washed and steamed and are said to have a pleasant sweet taste.
Field bindweed has the same actions from the roots, but in addition are considered a strong emetic. A hot infusion can be made from the flowers to use as a laxative, or for fevers and wounds. A cold infusion from the leaves is laxative, can slow profuse bleeding during menses, and can be applied as a wash for spider bites.
There were no research articles I could find on the native Hedge bindweed, but I found plenty on the Field bindweed. This is a good thing because using up the invasive species may help to keep it in check.
In addition, there is some research showing that a proteoglycan mixture made from C. arvensis which can kill the protozoa that causes leishmaniasis (a tropical disease spread by sandflies) and had anti-angiogenic activity. Angiogenesis is the production of new vessels by the body and controlling this mechanism can be helpful in cancer treatment.
Another study on C. arvensis showed that an infusion “inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion when administered orally.” More good news is that tumor growth was inhibited by 70% at 200 mg/kg/day, but the lethal dose (LD50 – or the dose at which 50% of mice died) found was 500 mg/kg/day. This is great because the wide therapeutic range gives us a large window in which to treat without causing more harm than good. Lastly, “It inhibited angiogenesis in chick embryos, improved lymphocyte survival ex vivo, and enhanced yeast phagocytosis, but did not kill tumor cells in culture.”
Pretty exciting research fora tea made from an invasive nuisance plant!!!
Jen Williamson, ND is a native of Buffalo, New York who earned her Bachelor of Science at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. While in medical school, she became very involved in the student community, most notably as the President of the Student Government Association. For her service, upon graduation she was given the Outstanding Leadership Award.
In the spirit of Docere, the Naturopathic principle of the doctor’s role as teacher, Dr. Williamson was an adjunct professor in the Complementary and Alternative Therapies program at Daemen College. She has had articles in a variety of publications, including Naturopathic Doctor News and Review, SheKnows.com, local Buffalo magazines and papers, as well as her own newsletter, blog and website. While practicing in Buffalo, she also offered over 30 different classes to the public at various events and locations.
In 2012, Dr. Williamson moved to Vermont to expand her practice of Naturopathic Medicine as well as provide an atmosphere that resonates with her medicine for her son, Victor, and husband, David. As a Primary Care Physician at Avalon Natural Medicine, Dr. Williamson focuses on mental/emotional, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders. Most of her treatment plans include a combination of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic remedies, but she has also received additional training in Hair Trace Mineral Analysis and Bowel Nosodes.
