Celandine (Greater Celandine)

Ø Celandine (Greater Celandine):

Celandine is traditionally used by herbalists for warts, ringworm and corns; Russia, where it is said to have proved effective in cases of cancer; It is still used in Suffolk as a fomentation for toothache. It is used in jaundice, eczema, scrofulous diseases, etc.

∞ Botanical name: Chelidonium majus

§ Warning: The whole plant is toxic, containing a range of alkaloids, such as Chelerythrine; it may also cause contact dermatitis, particularly the latex. Use in moderation and for limited time periods.

∞ Chinese Botanical name:

∞ This is a clear statement from the book:

“Herbal Medicine – The Natural way to Get Well and Stay Well” by – Dian Dincin Buchman, PhD

ISBN: 0-517-14767-x

Page 9 – 14

Greater Celandine gas a small, brilliant yellow blossom, and the stem exudes a vivid yellow juice when cut or bruised. In Eastern Europe a tincture of this herb is made from the entire plant and is considered a virtual panacea. The Eastern Europe people use eight to ten drops of tincture steeped in brandy or ninety-proof spirit – or eight to ten drops of the fresh expressed juice – three times a day to overcome sluggish liver, for neuralgia of the face, head and shoulder. It is also useful when there is a thick urine, or clay-like stools and constipation.

The juice of the living plant is also a great wound remedy to allay pain (great Celandine is a member of the poppy family) and is an old and effective wart remedy.

∞ Botanical.com always has great information.

---Part Used---The whole herb, collected in the wild state, from May to July, when in flower, and dried. Likewise, the fresh juice.

---Constituents---The alkaloids Chelidonine and Chelerythrin, the latter narcotic and poisonous, also the two nearly allied alkaloids, Homochelidonine A, and Homocheli donine B. In addition, Protopine and Sanguinarine, and a body named Chelidoxanthin, a neutral bitter principle.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Alterative, diuretic, purgative. It is used in jaundice, eczema, scrofulous diseases, etc., the infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried herb to a pint of boiling water being taken in wineglassful doses. The infusion is a cordial and greatly promotes perspiration. The addition of a few aniseeds in making a decoction of the herb in wine has been held to increase its efficacy in removing obstructions of the liver and gall.

A fluid extract is also prepared, the dose being 1/2 to 1 drachm. Eight to 10 drops of the tincture made from the whole herb, or of the fresh juice, given as a dose three times a day in sweetened water, is considered excellent for overcoming torpid conditions of the liver. In the treatment of the worst forms of scurvy it has been given with benefit.

The orange-coloured, acrid juice is commonly used fresh to cure warts, ringworm and corns, but should not be allowed to come into contact with any other part of the skin.

In milk, it is employed as an eye-lotion, to remove the white, opaque spots on the cornea. Mixed with sulphur, it was formerly used to cure the itch.

An ointment made of the roots and lard boiled together, also of the leaves and flowers, has been used with advantage for piles.

Celandine is a very popular medicine in Russia, where it is said to have proved effective in cases of cancer.

It is still used in Suffolk as a fomentation for toothache.

Â ---References--- Wikipedia.org; A Modern Herbal; “Herbal Medicine – The Natural way to Get Well and Stay Well” by – Dian Dincin Buchman, PhD.

∞ Recipe: