Convolvulus scammonia

Convolvulus scammonia L.

Convolvulaceae

  • Scammony
  • Syrian bindweed
  • mahmudiya محمودية
  • חֲבַלְבַּל רְפוּאִי
  • khavalbal refu'i

Geophyte, Climber

  • Cultivated areas (weeds)
  • Disturbed habitats

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Convolvulus scammonia L.

Medicinal Complaints / Uses
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

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.

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)

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.