Field Bindweed

Other names : Convulus Arvensis, Petit Lizet, Hedge Bells, Correlunela

Native to Europe and Asia, Field Bindweed is an invasive climbing perennial plant, with white or pale pink, trumpet-shaped flowers closing each afternoon and reopening the following day.  A superstition about Field Bindweed says that vipers make their nest under the plant , while another belief prevented young women from picking Field Bindweed flowers, otherwise someone they love would die. In popular tradition, Field Bindweed delicate flowers  are called “thunder flowers”, due to the belief that if someone picks them, a thunderstorm will come.

The entire flowering plant and also the root of Field Bindweed have medicinal properties. Discorides believed that bindweed can stop internal bleedings and heal wounds. Similar to Greater Bindweed (Calystegia Sepium) – a related species, Field Bindweed contains chemicals with purgative action, useful in constipation (especially in elderly people). One cup of Field Bindweed tea, administered before sleep has a powerful laxative effect, materialized in a singular stool, without  secondary episodes. Compared to synthesis laxatives, Field Bindweed intake does not cause colics and cramps.

Some people take Field Bindweed for urinary tract conditions, to decrease fever and to increase bile production. Women also use Field Bindweed to reduce heavy periods. Applied on the skin, Field Bindweed poultices heal abscesses and boils, wounds, burns and spider bites. Other uses mentioned in popular medicine include colds and flu, gastric ulcers and liver disease. A traditional remedy for cough is to take before breakfast a teaspoon of chopped Field Bindweed mixed with honey.