DEFINITION

Celandine is a herb with the botanical name of Chelidonium majus. It is also known by other names including Common Celandine, Greater Celandine and Garden Celandine.

DESCRIPTION

It has a dense mass of stamens in the centre of its blossoms. It grows on waste ground and in hedges. The root is thick and fleshy. A bright orange juice flows from the plant when the stems or leaves are broken.

When the plant is flowering, the whole of the Celandine plant is harvested and then dried. It contains alkaloids, including chelidonine, homochelidonine A and B, citric, malic and chelidonic acids, saponins and a bitter principle chelidoxanthin.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking. - Celandine may increase the effects of barbiturates such as phenobarbitone (these are sedative drugs that are prescribed for epilepsy and insomnia), other sedative drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines and alcohol), as well as morphine and related drugs (prescribed for pain relief). - Celandine may decrease the effectiveness of drugs for Parkinson's disease that increase dopamine levels in the brain (e.g. L-DOPA). - People taking digitalis (for heart failure) should avoid Celandine because this herb contains substances that may reduce the force of contraction of the heart.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions. Celandine is a powerful cholagogue, which means that it stimulates the flow of bile from the liver. This action is useful in the health management of gallbladder and biliary disease, as well as gallstones and sluggish liver. It helps clear the gallbladder and bile ducts and is used in formulas designed to clear the liver and bowel. It also helps stimulate pancreatic secretions. Externally, the fresh orange latex can be applied to warts and corns. It should not come into contact with any other part of the skin.

PROPERTIES

Diuretic, cholagogue and antispasmodic.

NOTES

- Celandine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. - Celandine may be toxic for the developing foetus. - Patients with liver or stomach disease should avoid Celandine. - Celandine may cause inflammation and damage of the liver. - Possible side effects include dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, thirst, low blood pressure, frequent urination.