Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Celandine ( Chelidonium majus ) is a plant of the Papaver family . Known for its antispasmodic, cholagogue and choleretic properties, it is also useful against dermatological disorders. Let's find out better.
> Properties of celandine
Properties of Celandine
The stems of celandine contain a latex rich in active ingredients that give the plant several meicamentose properties. Among these the most important are:
- Antispasmodic property useful in case of cramps and against asthma : for intestinal and gastric cramps and for the treatment of asthma.
- Purgative, sedative and spasmolytic properties.
- Anitmicotic property, useful in case of warts, eczema, ulcer and ringworm.
- Cholagogue and choleretic properties, useful for liver care, against jaundice, colicist infections and inflammation and against stones.
- Sedative property, useful against insomnia and against nervousness .
Celandine is a tendentially toxic plant whose active ingredients are essentially very powerful alkaloids (1%), such as berberine, coptisin, chelidonine, sanguinarine and allocriptopine.
Chelidonin is able to act on the smooth muscle resulting in an increase in the size of the coronary arteries and a decrease in pressure and heart rate. This makes celandine an excellent remedy for the treatment of atheroscleros, but it is not suitable for treating pressure problems due to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Method of use
Both the latex and the roots are used of celandine.
External use: on calluses, corns and warts, a very small dose of fresh juice is applied, taking care not to touch the healthy parts of the skin to avoid causing irritation.
The toxicity of some of the principles contained in it does not recommend internal use unless expert supervision. There are also capsules and homeopathic preparations to treat hepato-vesicular problems.
Contraindications of celandine
Celandine contains alkaloids that can cause toxicity . For this reason the plant must be taken for limited periods of time, taking care never to exceed the recommended doses. Furthermore, the fresh plant and the milk that comes out of it are corrosive to the mucous membranes and should therefore never be ingested.
Prolonged and excessive use of celandine can cause hepatitis. The use of celandine is contraindicated in pregnancy and is also prohibited for children because of its toxicity. Avoid taking celandine in case of liver problems and hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Celandine among the natural remedies against warts: discover the others
Description of the plant
Celandine ( Chelidonium majus ) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Papaver family . It has a thin and knotty stem ; yellow flowers composed of four petals and gathered in inflorescences.
From the broken branches a yellow-orange latex emerges which, if exposed to the air, oxidizes rapidly and darkens.
Celandine Habitat
Celandine grows in uncultivated places or in the woods and is one of the first plants to bloom in spring. It also grows in gardens and flower beds, and grows again every year, so it is considered a pest.
Background
Celandine, also known as swallow grass, has been known since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Its name derives from the Greek chelidôn which means swallow, because according to the legend these birds used it to heal the eyes of their little born blind.
For this reason the celandine is attributed healing properties of eye problems, while today it is mostly used in the treatment of warts and leeks (therefore it is known as wart herb).
