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.