Brand name:                          Celandine                                                   Latin name: Chelidonium majus                          Other name: Tetterwort                                                   A Remedy For                                                             Appetite loss                               Liver and gallbladder problems                                                 Although its effectiveness has been conclusively verified for only the two                                                 problems shown above, Celandine is frequently used for a wide variety of                                                 other ailments, including stomach problems, intestinal polyps, breast                                                 lumps, chest pain (angina), cramps, asthma, hardening of the arteries,                                                 high blood pressure, stomach cancer, gout, and water retention. The fresh                                                 roots are sometimes chewed to relieve toothache, and a powder derived                                                   from the roots can be applied to ease tooth extraction. The herb has also                       been used for an assortment of skin conditions, such as rashes, scabies,                         and warts. In China, it is used to correct irregular menstrual periods.                                                   What It Is; Why It Works                          Celandine enjoys a long-standing reputation as a medicinal herb. The                         Roman scholar Pliny mentions its healing power, and we know that in the                         14th century it was taken in liquid form as a blood tonic and was thought                         to sharpen sight and other senses. It was also used as an aid to wound                         healing, and was believed to be good for jaundice because of its vivid                         yellow flowers.                                                 Only the above-ground parts of the plant have been tested for medicinal                                                   value. They exhibit mild pain-killing and sedative effects and appear to                       ease spasms of the internal organs. The plant may also inhibit the growth                         of cancers, combat infection, and boost resistance. Claims that it can                         reduce blood pressure and ease muscle tension require further testing.                                                   Avoid If...                          No known medical conditions preclude the use of Celandine.                                                   Special Cautions                          When taken in customary doses, Celandine poses no risks. Avoid contact                         with the eyes.                                                   Possible Drug Interactions                          No interactions have been reported.                                                 Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding                                                   No harmful effects are known.                                                   How To Prepare                          Celandine is supplied as a crushed herb and a powder, and in pills and                         liquids containing Celandine extract. To make Celandine tea, use 15                         grams (1 tablespoonful) of crushed herb per quart of water. Steep the                         mixture for 15 minutes.                                                   Typical Dosage                          The usual daily dose of Celandine should supply 12 to 30 milligrams of its                       active ingredients. This works out to roughly 2 to 4 grams of extract. If                         using Celandine tea, drink 3 cups daily between meals                                                 The strength of commercial preparations may vary. Follow the                                                 manufacturer's instructions whenever available.                                                   Overdosage                          It was once thought that Celandine could produce nausea, vomiting,                         bloody diarrhea, blood in the urine, and stupor, but recent studies offer no                         clear proof of this.