Latin Name: Chelidonium majus
Alternate Names: Greater Celandine, Swallow-wort
Family: PAPAVERACEAE
Parts Used: Root, leaves, latex.
Properties: Alterative, Anodyne, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Hydragogue, Narcotic, Depressant, Purgative, Sedative.
Internal Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Gallstones, Jaundice, Melanoma, Rheumatoid Swelling, Stomach Cancer, Whooping Cough
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules
It is a nervous system depressant and mild sedative. Fresh juice is applied to warts, ringworm, eczema and corns. Celandine is used for infections of the gall bladder.
Topical Uses: Corns, Eczema, Eye Soreness, Herpes, Ringworm, Warts
Topical Applications: Plant is steeped in warm water and used as an eyewash. Salve for herpes.
Energetics: Bitter, Cool.
Chemical Constituents: Isoquinoline, berberine, chelidonine, cherlerythrine.
Contraindications: Use only when prescribed by a qualified herbalist or health practitioner. Large doses may cause drowsiness, coughing and ulcerations. Use only in minute dosages. Only dried root should be used internally. Urine may become bright yellow. Avoid during pregnancy.
Comments: Folkloric beliefs include application of the latex of Celandine to the eyes to improve the vision and clear cataracts. This is no longer practiced. It was used during the Middle Ages for bubonic plague. The name Celandine is derived from the Greek word, chelidon, meaning ’swallow’. Celandine flowers in the spring when the swallows appear and withers when the swallows fly south for the winter.