Celandine Profile

Also known as- Chelidonium majus, Bai Qu Cai, Chelidonii, Chelidonii Herba, Greater Celandine, Schollkraut, Tetterwort, Verruguera.

Introduction

Celandine is a plant in the poppy family, with blue-green, divided leaves and flowers of four yellow petals yielding a pod-like fruit. It has an odd and unpleasant odor and a bitter and pungent taste.

Constituents

Berberine (the same chemical found in goldenseal and Oregon grape root), sanguinarine (also found in blood root), chelidonine, protopine, coptisine, and stylopine. The root has a much greater content of these chemicals than the above-ground parts of the plant.

Parts Used

The above-ground parts of the plant, dried, cut and/or powdered.

Typical Preparations

Can be used to make teas, but more often used as an extract or encapsulation.

Summary

Celandine is most often used for treating gallbladder problems. It stops spasms at the same time it stimulates the production of bile to flush gallstones away. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, celandine is more often used as a pain-relieving cough medication. The sap of the fresh herb is a traditional remedy for warts.

Precautions

Not recommended for use while pregnant

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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