Bearbind, Bear's-Bind, Calystegia sepium, Correhuela Mayor, Devil's Vine, Grand Liseron, Hedge Bindweed, Hedge Convolvulus, Hedge Lily, Lady's Nightcap, Liseron des Bois, Liseron des Haies, Old Man's Night Cap, Rutland Beauty.
Greater bindweed is a plant. The powdered root and whole flowering plant are used to make medicine.
Despite safety concerns, people take greater bindweed for treating fever, urinary tract problems, and constipation; and for increasing bile production.
How does it work?
People try greater bindweed as a laxative to relieve constipation because it contains substances that can soften stools and increase gut muscle contractions. These effects help move stool through the digestive tract. It's not known how greater bindweed might work as a medicine for other conditions.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Fever.
- Urinary tract problems.
- Constipation.
- Increasing bile production.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Greater bindweed may be UNSAFE due to its strong laxative effects. Large amounts can cause stomach pain.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowStomach pain or intestinal conditions such as obstruction, appendicitis, colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Don't use greater bindweed if you have any of these conditions. It is a strong laxative and might make your condition worse.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Greater bindweed is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Greater bindweed can work as a laxative. In some people greater bindweed can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of greater bindweed.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Greater bindweed is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking greater bindweed along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.
Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.
The appropriate dose of greater bindweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for greater bindweed. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing, 1995.