Dwarf Elder vs Convolvulus arvensis

Short perennial of European waste ground; all parts more toxic than common elder; historically used as strong purgative and emetic.

Widespread weed; roots used in folk medicine for gallbladder conditions and as mild laxative.

sambunigrin, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids, tannins

convolvulin, scopoletin, caffeic acid, flavonoids, tannins

Strong laxative and emetic in European folk medicine, Rheumatism treatment historically, Wound healing poultice, Used by Dioscorides in ancient Greek medicine

gallbladder conditions, constipation, liver complaints, wound healing

Toxic alkaloid research, Folk medicine documentation

choleretic, mild laxative, anti-inflammatory

No safe internal therapeutic dose without professional guidance

Root tea 2-3g 2x/day

All internal use except professional, Pregnancy, Children

pregnancy, IBD, intestinal obstruction

Severe vomiting and diarrhea, Cyanogenic glycoside toxicity

GI cramping, laxative effect