Click on a letter to see pictures and individual herb information with folklore usages.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I-K - L - M - N-O - P - Q-R - S - T - U-V - W-Y

CELANDINE Greater (CHELIDONIUM MAJUS)

Family: Papaveraceae

---Synonyms---Common Celandine. Garden Celandine.
---Part Used---Herb.
 

The alkaloids Chelidonine and Chelerythrin, the latter narcotic and poisonous, also the two nearly allied alkaloids, Homochelidonine A, and Homocheli donine B. In addition, Protopine and Sanguinarine, and a body named Chelidoxanthin, a neutral bitter principle.

---Medicinal Actions and Uses---Alterative, diuretic, purgative. It is used in jaundice, eczema, scrofulous diseases, etc.

It purifies the blood, increases urine production, but in overdose it will purge. The fresh juice is still considered to he an effective application for corns and warts. It is used as an eye lotion to remove film on the eyes. Chewing the root relieves toothache. In treating the liver a few drops of the juice are taken in sweetened water.

Celandine is a very popular medicine in Russia, where it is said to have proved effective in cases of cancer.

This plant should not be used for self-medication and is contraindicated in pregnancy.