Even if it is read more often: you should not eat the flowers of a morning glory. The field weed, which spreads wildly along field edges and garden fences, is slightly poisonous. You should therefore avoid eating it in flower salads or as an edible table decoration.
Is morning glory edible?
The morning glory is not edible as it is slightly poisonous and can have hallucinogenic effects. Children in particular should not consume them under any circumstances. Instead, the plant can be used externally as a medicinal herb.
The morning glory is considered slightly poisonous
The morning glory is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant. Among other things, it contains a substance that has a slightly hallucinogenic effect. For this reason, morning glories are not considered edible. This also applies to the white or pink flowers, which are sometimes described as edible.
Other ingredients of the fence bindweed are:
- Flavonoids
- tannins and acid
- Convolvuline
- Glykoretine
- Resin and cardiac glycosides
- Tannins
Is morning glory edible?
If there are no signs of severe poisoning when consumed, the plant is not edible. This is especially true for children, for whom the intoxicating effects last longer and can have worse consequences.
However, there is nothing against external use in natural medicine.
Brenches as a medicinal herb
The morning glory has been considered a medicinal plant for many centuries. However, it doesn't play a major role as there are non-toxic alternatives that are much easier to dose.
Due to the toxic ingredients, fencing bindweed may only be used internally by experienced medical professionals for the following complaints:
- Fever
- Digestive problems
- Problems urinating
- Biliary and liver weakness
- Inflammation
Collect roots, flowers and leaves of the morning glory
The roots are collected in autumn and spring, while leaves and flowers are picked, chopped and dried in summer
To treat inflammation on the legs and feet, a tincture is made from the flowers to rub on wounds. Bindweed tincture is said to have a healing and, above all, pain-relieving effect. It is also often used for wounds that heal poorly, without any scientific evidence to date.
Tea made from bindweed is more often recommended. However, due to the toxic ingredients, it is better to avoid this as there is a risk of overdosing.
Tip
For many gardeners, morning glories are one of the weeds that are difficult to control. The reason is the long roots, which are difficult to get out of the ground. New plants form from every small section.
