Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Evolvulus alsinoides

Please read before use: the information provided below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. If in doubt, pregnant, breastfeeding, on current treatment, or for use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Traditional use still poorly documented by modern research: consult a healthcare professional or experienced herbalist before any use. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Avoid in young children in the absence of reliable dosage data. Caution advised when taking concurrent medication, particularly sedatives or neurological drugs, due to possible poorly characterized interactions.

Decoction — Dried whole plant

Traditional Ayurvedic decoction

The dried whole plant is gently boiled in water for about ten minutes, then strained. This preparation, called kashaya in the Ayurvedic tradition, was typically consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Dried and pulverized whole plant

Traditional powder (churna)

The dried plant is ground into a fine powder, sometimes mixed with honey or warm milk according to classical Ayurvedic usage. Preparation and dosage must be supervised by a practitioner trained in this tradition. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

It is found growing wild in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, forming low carpets on dry, sunny soils; in the West, it is mainly encountered as powder or dry extract from herbalists specializing in Ayurvedic plants.

Harvest season

When to harvest

The whole plant is traditionally harvested at the end of the rainy season, when the foliage is most developed, then dried in the shade before storage.

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