The Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a remarkable plant that, for a long time, was only known as a weed lurking in the corners of gardens.
However, over time, more and more people have discovered that it is not just an ornamental plant but a true natural remedy with extraordinary medicinal properties.
From April until the first frosts, this plant blooms, and its vibrant yellow sap offers solutions for many skin issues.
It can be used for warts, psoriasis, age spots, and eczema, with its power hidden in its 30 different alkaloids, each contributing its own healing effect.
The Greater Celandine belongs to the poppy family, which explains its strong and attention-grabbing nature.
It can be found almost anywhere it shouldn’t be: along forest edges, in neglected fields, gardens, and roadsides.
When you break its stem, a bright orange sap flows out, giving it its name “Greater Celandine,” due to the color of its sap.
It also has several other common names: redroot, rattleweed, goat’s milk, and dog’s milk – but don’t confuse it with other plants that have similar names!
But what is it about the yellow sap that makes it so valuable? The plant’s remarkable effects come from its alkaloids, such as Chelidonin, Berberine, and Coptisine.
Chelidonin, for example, helps inhibit cell division, making it particularly effective for treating warts, while Berberine has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and Coptisine is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Additionally, the plant contains flavonoids, enzymes, and resins that support skin healing.
However, using this plant requires caution. The fresh sap is mainly used externally for warts, corns, age spots, eczema, or psoriasis.
Its effectiveness lies in its combination of protein breakdown and cell division inhibition, which helps the skin regenerate, dries out warts, stops inflammation, or reduces pigmentation.
However, it is not recommended for internal use, as it can have effects similar to morphine and papaverine, making it dangerous, especially for children and pregnant women.
The safest way to use it is by obtaining the fresh plant and applying its sap directly to the affected skin area. To do this, simply break the stem and immediately apply the orange fluid to the wart or spot.
The application can be repeated 1-2 times a day, but it is best to use it for only 1-2 weeks.
If you want to benefit from Greater Celandine’s properties for a longer period, you can make a tincture or homemade ointment.
For the tincture, chop the fresh plant and pour alcohol (vodka or homemade brandy) or oil over it, then let it steep in a dark place for at least two weeks. The finished tincture can be stored for months in a cool place.
A homemade ointment can be made by mixing olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax, heating the ingredients slowly until they melt, and then pouring them into small jars.
The ointment can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
The Greater Celandine is truly a treasure for both the garden and the home. When used correctly and with caution, we can experience its natural powers to address everyday skin problems.
If you decide to grow it in your garden, it’s a good idea to reserve a little space for it so it can bloom until the first frosts and provide its healing powers.
