Celandine

Celandine

Botanical Name

Chelidonium majus

Common Name

Celandine, greater celandine, garden celandine, common celandine, devil’s milk, rock poppy, swallow-wort, tetterwort

Family

Papaveraceae

Parts Used

Aerial parts, latex, roots

Native To

Celandine’s native range extends from Macaronesia, North Africa, and Europe to Russia and portions of Asia, including the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East

Harvesting Guidelines

Greater celandine is typically harvested by hand during the spring and autumn seasons. Gloves should be worn during the harvesting process to avoid skin irritation, as the plant exudes latex from all parts. The latex can cause contamination and discoloration of other herbs, making proper handling important. The concentration of alkaloids, especially chelidonine, varies throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in the evenings during the summer months. The roots of 1- to 2-year-old plants are best harvested for medicinal use between early spring and late autumn, with the highest concentrations of alkaloids found in late autumn. In contrast, phenolic compounds are most abundant in early spring when the plant is still in its vegetative state and again as the plant begins to form fruit.

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Greater celandine, also known as Chelidonium majus, is a herbaceous plant with a rich history in both folk medicine and modern pharmacology. For centuries, it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including liver and gallbladder issues, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems. The plant's latex is particularly known for its ability to treat warts and other skin growths.

Despite its use in folk medicine, greater celandine has also played a pivotal role in the development of alkaloid chemistry, with the isolation of chelidonine in 1824 marking a key moment in scientific herbal studies.

The plant belongs to the poppy family, and its medicinal properties are derived from the alkaloids it contains, such as chelidonine, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, despite its traditional uses, greater celandine remains a plant that requires caution when used, particularly due to concerns about its potential hepatotoxicity.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Historically, greater celandine has been used in various parts of the world for a wide array of health issues. In folk medicine, it has been recommended for treating liver and gallbladder problems, including jaundice, gallstones, and bile duct disorders. It is also commonly used for treating digestive issues such as stomach ulcers and abdominal pain.

One of the most well-known uses of celandine is for its wart-removal properties. The latex of the plant has long been used to treat viral warts, corns, and fungal infections. Russian and Eastern European folk medicine, in particular, has a long history of using celandine for these purposes. Interestingly, Russian clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of celandine-based products for treating warts and other skin conditions.

In addition to its topical applications, celandine has gained interest in modern herbalism as a cholagogue and choleretic herb. It is used to stimulate bile production and promote the flow of bile, which is beneficial in treating conditions like gallbladder inflammation and bile congestion. It is often recommended as a complementary herb for digestive imbalances related to bile stagnation, as well as for liver detoxification.

Magical and Folkloric Uses

Greater celandine has also been steeped in magical and folkloric traditions. In many parts of Europe, it was believed to possess supernatural powers. In Germany, for example, it was referred to as "witches' milk" and was used to create magical ointments believed to remove spells and curses. It was even believed that the plant should be harvested under a waning moon or from a graveyard to increase its magical potency. This association with the supernatural is also reflected in writings from the famous theologian and philosopher Saint Albertus Magnus, who believed that combining celandine with a mole's heart could provide protection from enemies.

Scientific Research and Findings

Modern studies on greater celandine have largely focused on its medicinal properties, particularly its alkaloids, which have shown promise in various therapeutic areas. However, clinical trials regarding the plant’s safety and efficacy have yielded mixed results, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has noted concerns regarding its potential for hepatotoxicity.

For instance, the alkaloid chelidonine, which is found in high concentrations in the plant, has shown cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines in vitro. However, while greater celandine has shown some anticancer potential, Ernst and Schmidt (2005) caution that the clinical evidence is not robust enough to support its widespread use for cancer treatment. It is important to note that despite some promising results, the plant has not been shown to prevent or treat cancer conclusively, and further research is needed.

In addition to its anticancer potential, studies have also examined the antiviral properties of greater celandine. Research has shown that its milky sap contains compounds with antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating infections caused by viruses and fungi. These properties align with its traditional use in folk medicine for treating skin conditions like warts.

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Adult Dose

• Internal use: Not recommended unless under the guidance of an experienced practitioner, as greater celandine has potential hepatotoxic effects.

• Topical use: The latex is applied directly to warts or skin growths, but should be used cautiously to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.

• Tea: While some herbalists suggest using celandine as a mild tea for digestive health, caution is required due to the potential risks.

Safety

The use of greater celandine should be approached with caution, especially regarding internal use. Clinical trials have shown that prolonged use may lead to liver damage, including hepatitis, which can be life-threatening. While some herbalists recommend using celandine for up to 4 weeks without reported toxicity, the risk of hepatotoxicity has led many health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency, to caution against its use.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using celandine for any purpose, especially for individuals with liver conditions or those taking medications that affect liver function. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid using celandine due to its potential effects on the liver and other organs.

Actions

Analgesic,Antiinflammatory,Antimicrobial,Cholagogue,Choleretic,Cytotoxic,Ophthalmic,Sedative,Spasmolytic,Vulnerary

Energy

Drying, Warming

References

1. Plescher, A. (2013). Schöllkraut (Chelidonium majus L.). In B. Hoppe (Ed.), Handbuch des Arznei-und Gewürzpflanzenbaus: Band 5 Arznei- und Gewürzpflanzenbaus L-Z (pp. 488-513). Verein für Arznei und Gewürzpflanzen SALUPLANTA eV Bernburg.

2. Teirlinck, I. (1926). Flora Magica: De plant in de tooverwereld [Flora magica: Plants in the magical world]. De Sikkel.

3. Fintelmann, V., & Weiss, R.F. (2002). Lehrbuch der Phytotherapie [Textbook of phytotherapy]. Hippokrates.

4. Zevin, I.V. (1997). A Russian Herbal: Traditional Remedies for Health and Healing. Healing Arts Press.

5. Ernst, E., & Schmidt, K. (2005). Ukrain–a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. BMC Cancer, 5(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-5-69

6. Nawrot, J., Wilk-Jędrusik, M., Nawrot, S., Nawrot, K., Wilk, B., Dawid-Pać, R., … Gornowicz-Porowska, J. (2020). Milky sap of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) and anti-viral properties. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5), Article 1540. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051540

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