Celandine Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Celandine is a perennial plant known by the botanical name, Chelidonium majus. Celandine also goes by the name of tetterwort or nipplewort and is related to the poppy family. Celandine is native to Europe and western Asia and now grows extensively throughout North America.^1,2

The celandine plant grows up to 3 feet tall. It has a soft, thick root with a slender, hairy stem. The celandine plant emits a bright orange juice when the stems of leaves are broken. This juice has a foul odor and a bitter taste. The celandine plant has blue-green colored leaves and grows fruits in pods.^1,2

The whole plant, including the roots can be used for therapeutic purposes. The leaves and flowers can be dried and used as a herbal tea, while the remaining parts of the plant can be used in extract and tincture forms.¹

Celandine Health Uses and Health Benefits

Many of the known celandine benefits come from its content of alkaloids and flavonoids. Two of the alkaloids contained in celandine include chelidonine and chelerythrin. These compounds make celandine a natural anti-inflammatory and also give it important antioxidant properties.

Traditional celandine uses have included a liver cleansing tonic used by hispanic cultures. Other cultures have also employed celandine uses for skin problems, whooping cough, indigestion and blood cleansing.³

Studies have found the following celandine benefits:

• Slowing cancer cell growth
• Improving digestion by increasing bile production
• Reducing bowel and gallbladder inflammation
• Fighting off microbial and fungal activity
• Providing pain relief

Other known celandine uses for natural therapy include:

• Genital Warts - Celandine benefits include being an effective topical treatment for genital warts.
• Mesothelioma - Celandine contains anti-cancer compounds that can help slow or stop the spread of mesothelioma cancer cells.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer) - Celandine uses include being a natural remedy for treating colorectal cancer by helping to shrink tumor masses.

Celandine Side Effects and Precautions

The celandine plant is toxic if not taken in proper doses. Therapeutic doses are safe to take but it’s important to consult a certified herbalist before taking celandine for any condition. If not taken properly, celandine side effects can cause liver failure or digestive problems. Other celandine side effects may include nausea and dizziness.^2,3

References

1. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/celgre43.html
2. http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-greater-celandine/
3. http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/celandine.html