Herb: Scammony


Latin name: Convolvulus scammonia


Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)



Medicinal use of Scammony:

A resin is obtained from the root. The earth is cleared away from the top of the root, the top is then cut off obliquely about 5cm below the point where the stalks spring forth. The exuding juice is collected, which gradually hardens. This resin is a drastic cathartic and hydrogogue and should be used with great caution. The roots contain about 8% resin.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
75 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July

Habitat of the herb:

Scrub and forest margins.

Propagation of Scammony:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination can be slow and erratic, a period of cold stratification might help reduce the germination period. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Cuttings of young shoots, August in a frame in sand.

Cultivation of the herb:

Scrub and forest margins.

Known hazards of Convolvulus scammonia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.