Flower colour: Yellow
Flowering: May - November
Height: 60 - 90 cm
Active ingredients: Alkaloids, organic acids, saponins, essential oil, bitter substances, cheridon acids, hydroxy acids, flavonoids
Used parts: Mostly the radix, though also the herb. For external use only, also the latex.
Celandine is a plant that was already used by Dioscorides who lived from 40 to 90 BC. He said that Swallows used the yellow latex to heal the blindness of their young ones. The official name of the plant is 'chelidonium', which is derived from the Greek word for Swallow. This is because it was used by them and because the flowering period of this plant is the same as the period that swallows are to be found. In medieval times, the plant was used by alchemists. They thought that it could be used to create the famous Philosophers' Stone. Though it was also used for medical purposes. For example to heal liver problems. Furthermore, it was used to cure warts and other skin disorders. And not only for swallows was the latex of the plant used for eye problems, it was also used for humans. It was used to clear up the Cornea. It was said that it improved sight and removed slimey substancces from the eyeballs.
A very curious custom was that the plant was sometimes laid on the head of a sick person, to see if they would get better. If the sick one started crying, they would survive. Though if they started singing, death would come very soon.
Nowadays, the plant is still used to heal things. It is used for liver problems, hypertension, depression, migraine, eye pain, cataract, corneal diseases and more.
Chelidonium majus is poisonous!
Do NOT use this plant for longer periods.
NEVER apply the latex on wounds.
For external use, cover the skin surrounding the affected area.
Celandine should NOT be given to children.
DON'T use this plant if you are pregnant.
Do NOT use this plant if you use ACE inhibitors, anti-asthmatics, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, tryicyclic antidepressants, glucocorticoids or oral contraceptives.
PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WITH USING THIS PLANT. ONLY USE CELANDINE EXTERNALLY UNLESS AGREED WITH A QUALIFIED DOCTOR!