Greater Celandine

Uses

Botanical names:
Chelidonium majus

Parts Used & Where Grown

Greater celandine grows primarily in Europe and Asia, although it has been introduced in North America. The leaves and small yellow flowers of greater celandine are used as medicine. Although the roots and rhizomes of the plant have also been used medicinally, most clinical trials have used the above-ground parts of the plant collected at the time of flowering.1

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
2 Stars
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity
4 to 8 mg chelidonine in a standardized herbal extract three times per day
One study found that a standardized extract of greater celandine could relieve indigestion symptoms (such as abdominal cramping, sensation of fullness, and nausea) significantly better than placebo.

Caution: Based on several reports of liver toxicity from greater celandine, it connot be recommended as a treatment for indigestion.

Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include , wormwood, gentian,dandelion, blessed thistle, yarrow, devil’s claw, bitter orange, bitter melon, juniper, andrographis, prickly ash, and centaury. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

A double-blind study found that a standardized extract of greater celandine could relieve symptoms of indigestion (such as abdominal cramping, sensation of fullness, and nausea) significantly better than placebo. The study employed an extract standardized to 4 mg of chelidonine per capsule and gave 1–2 tablets three times daily for six weeks. However, recent reports of hepatitis following intake of greater celandine have raised concerns about its safety for treating indigestion.

1 Star
Warts
Refer to label instructions
Herbalists sometimes recommend the use of topically applied greater celandine in treating warts.

Herbalists have sometimes recommended the use of (Chelidonium majus) for the topical treatment of warts. The milky juice from the fresh plant is typically applied to the wart once daily and allowed to dry.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

European herbal traditions regard greater celandine as a valuable remedy for the topical treatment of warts.2 It was also a folk remedy for cancer, gout, jaundice, and a variety of skin diseases. The famous French herbalist Maurice Mességué used greater celandine extensively in hand and foot baths and teas for many conditions, particularly those affecting the liver.3 In eastern Asia it was also valued as a treatment for peptic ulcer.4

Information about Greater Celandine

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