Even if it is read more often: You should not eat the flowers of a bindweed. Field weed, which spreads wildly along field edges and garden fences, is slightly poisonous. You should therefore refrain from consuming them in flower salads or as an edible table decoration.

Bindweed contains toxic and hallucinogenic substances, which is why it is not classified as edible

Bindweed is considered slightly poisonous

Bindweed is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant. It contains, among other things, a substance that has a slightly hallucinogenic effect. Bindweed is therefore considered inedible. This also applies to the white or pink flowers, which are sometimes referred to as edible.

Other ingredients of the bindweed are:

  • flavonoids
  • tanning agent and acid
  • convolvulines
  • glycoretins
  • Resin and cardiac glycosides
  • tannins

Is bindweed edible?

Even if there are no serious symptoms of poisoning when consumed, the plant is not edible. This is especially true for children, where the intoxication lasts longer and can have worse consequences.

However, there is nothing to be said against external use in naturopathy.

Bindweed as a medicinal herb

Bindweed has been considered a medicinal plant for many centuries. However, it does not play a major role, as there are non-toxic alternatives that are much easier to dose.

Because of the toxic ingredients, bindweed may only be used internally by experienced physicians for the following ailments:

  • fever
  • digestive problems
  • problems urinating
  • bile and liver weakness
  • inflammation

Collect bindweed roots, flowers and leaves

The roots are collected in autumn and spring, while leaves and flowers are picked and crushed and dried in summer

To treat inflammation of the legs and feet, the flowers are used to make a tincture for rubbing on wounds. Bindweed tincture is said to have a healing and, above all, pain-relieving effect. In addition, it is often used for poorly healing wounds, without any scientific proof of this being available to date.

Bindweed tea is recommended more often. Because of the toxic ingredients, it is better to avoid it, as there is a risk of overdosing.

tips

For many gardeners, bindweed is one of the weeds that are difficult to control. The reason is the long roots that can hardly be pulled out of the ground. New plants form from each small section.

Category:

Vegetable garden