Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Greater celandine, also known as common celandine, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It grows widely in Europe, Asia, and North America, thriving along roadsides, gardens, meadows, and thickets. It is highly valued for its medicinal properties and distinctive yellow sap, traditionally used in folk medicine.

---

Characteristics

• Appearance: The plant reaches a height of 30–80 cm. Its leaves are pinnate with irregular edges, and its small yellow flowers are arranged in umbel-like clusters. When the stem is broken, it releases a yellow-orange milky sap.
• Habitat: Prefers semi-shaded locations with fertile and moist soil. Often found near human settlements, forest edges, and wastelands.
• Odor: Characteristic, sharp, and unpleasant.

---

Medicinal Properties

Greater celandine contains alkaloids (chelidonine, sanguinarine, berberine), flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, and vitamin C. These components provide a wide range of health benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial: Helps treat skin and mucosal inflammations.
2. Pain relief: Used for digestive issues, such as ulcers and biliary colic.
3. Wart removal: The yellow sap is a traditional remedy for warts and calluses.
4. Liver support: Stimulates bile production and aids in detoxifying the body.
5. Anticancer potential: Some studies suggest it may have anticancer properties.

Caution: Greater celandine is toxic, so it should be used carefully and in appropriate doses.

---

Applications in Natural Medicine

• Externally: Sap is applied to warts, calluses, and corns.
• Internally: Infusions and tinctures are used for digestive issues but only under professional supervision.

---

Recipes

1. Sap for Warts and Calluses

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh stems of greater celandine.
• Preparation: Cut the stem and apply the oozing sap directly to the wart. Use 1–2 times a day for several days.

2. Infusion for Digestive Issues (use cautiously!)

• Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon of dried greater celandine herb,
  • 1 cup of boiling water.
• Preparation: Pour boiling water over the herb and steep for 5–10 minutes. Sip slowly once a day for up to one week.

3. Tincture for Liver Support

• Ingredients:
  • 100 g of fresh greater celandine herb,
  • 500 ml of 40% alcohol.
• Preparation: Soak the herb in alcohol and leave it in a dark place for 2 weeks. Strain and store in a glass bottle. Use 5–10 drops diluted in water once a day.

---

Cultivation in the Garden

Greater celandine is easy to grow. It prefers fertile, moist soil and semi-shaded locations. It spreads quickly through self-seeding, so its growth should be monitored to prevent overgrowth.

---

Greater celandine has a long history in natural medicine. With its unique properties, it is used to treat skin problems and support digestive health. However, due to its toxicity, it should be used with caution and respect.