- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, Africa (north)
- Traditions
- Greco-Roman medicine, Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 298
Chelidonium majus
Herb · Europe
Greater celandine
Chelidonium majus
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, cleansing, stimulates the liver, anti-inflammatory.
Safety notes
Internal use has been linked to hepatitis; taking it internally is discouraged in Europe. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not in pregnancy. Not in pregnancy or with glaucoma. Not with autoimmune diseases, liver disease, hepatitis or bile duct obstruction. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not in pregnancy.
- Western herbalism: Not in pregnancy or with glaucoma. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with autoimmune diseases, liver disease, hepatitis or bile duct obstruction. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
The name Chelidonium comes from the Greek chelidon (swallow): according to Dioscorides the plant flowers when the swallows arrive. The orange sap was dabbed on warts, for which it is still used in folk medicine. Internally it was used for gallbladder and liver complaints until reports of hepatitis followed.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Diuretic, cleansing, stimulates the liver, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Cleansing, diuretic, purgative; detoxifies liver and gallbladder (jaundice, gallstones), juice externally against warts and ringworm, compress for haemorrhoids, ulcers and sprains.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, tincture, juice, compress (partly external).
Caution: Not in pregnancy or with glaucoma. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Detoxifying, protects the liver, antiviral (alkaloids, flavonoids); especially against flu; further for high blood pressure, warts, irritable bowel, constipation, menstrual cramps, pain.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tincture, cream.
Caution: Not with autoimmune diseases, liver disease, hepatitis or bile duct obstruction. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureSalve and balmCompress, poultice and paste