Condition
Treatment Support
counterirritant
Application
fresh juice externally
Celandine
(Chelidonium majus)
Also know as Greater celandine
Botanical Information
A loosely-branched delicate annual in the poppy family from two to four feet high with yellow flowers.
Working with Celandine
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, homeopathic tablet, bulk herb, powder
Christopher Hobbs:
“The fresh juice of celandine is used for corns, ringworm, and warts applied externally. In Chinese medicine celandine is considered effective for treating bronchitis and whooping cough, which has been supported with laboratory tests showing that its constituents have pain-relieving, antibacterial, and antispasmodic properties.
Celandine has a taste of BITTER, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.”
Celandine, also known as greater celandine, is a perennial herb traditionally used in European and Asian herbal medicine. Historically, it was used as a remedy for liver disorders, skin conditions, and digestive issues. The bright orange-yellow latex from the plant was applied topically to treat warts, eczema, and other skin problems.
Modern Clinical Uses
In modern herbal medicine, celandine is sometimes used by herbalists and naturopaths to support liver and gallbladder function, manage digestive issues, and relieve mild pain due to its antispasmodic properties. Extracts from celandine are occasionally used as adjunctive treatment for gallstones, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Celandine contains several alkaloids, including chelidonine, sanguinarine, berberine, and coptisine, which are known for various physiological effects. Chelidonine has been studied for its antispasmodic properties, while sanguinarine exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects but is also toxic in high doses. The plant’s alkaloids are considered potentially active against cancer cells, though more research is needed.
Clinical Trials and Research
Clinical trials on celandine are limited. Some studies suggest it may relieve digestive symptoms like bloating, cramps, and IBS-related discomfort. Preliminary studies have also investigated celandine’s potential anticancer properties, but evidence remains inconclusive, and more rigorous trials are needed.
Summary
Celandine has a history of medicinal use for liver, skin, and digestive issues. While modern herbalists may use it cautiously for similar purposes, safety concerns due to hepatotoxicity limit its widespread clinical use. Though its compounds show promise for antimicrobial and antispasmodic effects, further clinical trials are required to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy. The fresh herb is irritating to the mucous membranes–it is safer to use dried herb for teas and extracts. Large doses of the extract may rarely produce such mild side effects as dry mouth and dizziness.
Celandine is considered toxic at high doses, especially to the liver. The alkaloids can cause hepatotoxicity, and long-term use or high doses may lead to liver damage. For safety, celandine is generally not recommended for prolonged use or in high amounts. When used, it is typically given in low doses under professional supervision. In clinical use, it’s often administered as a tincture, with recommended doses ranging from 10–20 drops (approximately 0.5–1 ml) in water, taken two to three times daily
Conditions treated with Celandine
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
liver cleanser, stimulant
Application
dried herb tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antiviral
Application
fresh juice externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
