Field winch

The botanical name of the Field winch reads Convolvulus arvensis and it comes from the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae). As a medicinal plant, it is still used in various areas today, but is primarily used for digestive problems. Their use is still controversial today due to their slight toxicity.

Occurrence & cultivation of bindweed

Because of its low toxicity, bindweed should only be used in low doses and in agreement with a doctor.

Common names under which the Field winch known are Mother of God glasses, Diaper, Devil's gut and Field winch. Despite its beautiful appearance, the plant is usually not seen in gardens because it climbs up on other useful and ornamental plants and thus inhibits their growth. In doing so, it damages other plants and is therefore considered a weed. The bindweed itself grows very quickly, although it does not survive long when cut, as it depends on the nutrients from the roots.

For this reason, it is not suitable as a cut flower. As it grows, the tip of its instinct makes circular movements. The bindweed is a perennial herbaceous plant with thick, knotty root strands. If the plant is weeded superficially, new shoots sprout from this. The roots can be up to two meters deep in the ground, which is another reason for understanding the field bindweed as a weed.

The flowers of the plant are four to five centimeters large and funnel-shaped. Their color is white to light pink or bluish. The flowers have grown together, only open for one day and close when it rains. This made them a more frequently used weather indicator in the past. They open in the morning when the sun is shining and are withered by the evening.

In addition, the leaves of the herb are elongated, tapered and have pointed corners. The bindweed is pollinated by insects of all kinds. Spira honey bees are particularly important for this. It blooms between April and October and the plant is native to Europe. It is particularly native to the temperate zones of the northern and southern hemispheres. Today it occurs worldwide and grows in fields, meadows, in vegetable patches, on paths and debris areas. It can also be found in dry locations.

Effect & application

The bindweed contains cardiovascular glycosides and is therefore a well-known medicinal plant. Other ingredients are psychoactive alkaloids that were previously used in ointments. At present these ointments were called witch ointments. Other ingredients are tannin, tannic acid and tannin. In folk medicine, both the leaves and flowers, but also the roots and the herb are used. Due to its low toxicity, however, bindweed should only be used in low doses and in agreement with a doctor.

It is possible to use it in tea mixtures, but also externally as envelopes. To use morning glory in tea form, a small to heaped teaspoon should be poured into a cup of boiling water. The tea can be drunk after a steeping time of ten minutes. If you are constipated, you should not drink more than two cups (morning and evening). If the dosage is too high, diarrhea can occur.

Dioscurides already knew about the naturopathic effects of bindweed in ancient times and mentioned it in his Materia Medica. There he described it as a remedy for indigestion and called it antispasmodic. The flowers contain sufficient nectar for insects such as beetles, bees and butterflies, and the plant is also used as a component of hay for feeding cattle.

Importance for health, treatment & prevention

In folk medicine, the plant is used against a number of ailments. On the one hand, it serves as a laxative and can be used in the digestive system for a wide variety of symptoms. In addition, the bindweed is gall and diuretic. It can also be used to lower a fever. In women, the winch has proven itself for menstrual cramps and can be used against excessive bleeding.

In this way, the female period can be balanced again and brought back into balance. Envelopes soaked in the sap of the flower can have anti-inflammatory properties. In this function they are mainly used for inflammation of the feet. This effect is due to the increase in blood flow caused by the irritation of the skin. However, if the symptoms get worse, the treatment should be stopped immediately. In this case a doctor should be consulted.

The antiangiogenic effectiveness of the field winch was found in various test series. This prevents the formation of tumor vessels and slows down the growth of tumors. Studies on this were carried out at the St. Georg Clinic in Bad Aiblingen. This makes it one of the remedies against cancer and ulcers in alternative medicine. In animal experiments, the field winch has already proven to be a working alternative to conventional cancer treatment. In addition, the winch can also be used against the itching of insect bites.

The tea made from the leaves of the plant used to be used to wash out spider bites. However, their main use is in the digestive system. It is known for its laxative effects, using both the roots and the flowers and leaves. Nevertheless, various medicinal herbs are considered more useful in folk medicine than the field bindweed. This is primarily due to their slightly toxic effect. This applies to all parts of the plant. Incorrect use can lead to discomfort and symptoms of poisoning.