Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Family

Convolvulaceae

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Scammony
Syrian bindweed

Hebrew Name(s)

khavalbal refu'i

חֲבַלְבַּל רְפוּאִי

Arabic Name(s)

mahmudiya محمودية

Life Form

Geophyte, Climber

Habitat

Cultivated areas (weeds)
Disturbed habitats

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Convolvulus scammonia L.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Gastrointestinal	Constipation	Laxative	Cut root, drip 2 drops (not more!) of latex onto a dry fig (Ficus carica) & eat. (See NOTES & CAUTIONS.)	Root (Latex)	Z

System/State

Traditional
Complaint/Use

Activity / Interpretation

Traditional
Preparation/
Administration

Parts Used

Source

Gastrointestinal

Constipation

Laxative

Cut root, drip 2 drops (not more!) of latex onto a dry fig (Ficus carica) & eat. (See NOTES & CAUTIONS.)

Root (Latex)

Notes

Z notes that severe diarrhea can occur with the treatment for constipation. To stop this Z advises the patient to drink sour leben (yoghurt). See also CAUTIONS)

Cautions

Convulvulus scammonia contains Tropane alkaloids (pseudotropine) with atropine like activity on the autonomic nervous system. Present in all parts of the plant but seeds are especially toxic. Convulvulus genus has species that can have a strong laxative effect & in large amounts can cause stomach pain.

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.