CELANDINE

CELANDINE

(Chelidonium majus)

Other Names

Chelidonium, Devil’s Milk, Garden Celandine, Great Celandine, Greater Celandine, Kenning Wort, Tetterwort, Swallow Herb, Shallow Wort, Tetterwort.

Description

Celandine is a perennial plant native to Europe and also found throughout the north eastern United States.   Celandine grows 12 to 20 inches tall, in damp rich soil along fences, roadsides, hedges, and wastelands.   The 1/2 inch thick cylindrical red-brown rootstock produces a hollow, round stem that thickens at the joints and is covered with lobed leafs.   When the stem is broken it oozes an acidic yellow juice that turns red when it is exposed to air.   The four petals, bright yellow flowers grow in sparse umbels blooming from April through September.

Classification

Taste

Balance Yin/Yang

Humor

Uses/Applications

Internally it has a special effect on the digestive system and for asthmatic symptoms.   Externally it is made into an ointment or poultice and used for skin diseases like herpes, eczema, and ringworm.   The juice is used to remove warts.

Combinations

Constituents

Toxic Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponin, Cartoninoids, Bitter Compounds.

Action

Anodyne, Anti-Spasmodic, Caustic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Hydragogue, Narcotic, Purgative.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Rootstock, Herb.

Collection

Collect in the fall.

Preparation

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tbsp. rootstock or herb.   Infuse for 30 minutes.   Take once a day.

Juice

Mix with vinegar and dab on the wart three times per day.   Do not treat more than two warts at a time.

Tincture

Take 10 -15 drops once a day.

Growing Directions

Sow the seed or divide the roots.   Celandine tolerates both poor soil and semi shade.

History

Celandine dates back to Ancient Egypt where Alchemists’ considered it heaven’s gift.   Back in the 16th Century, Swiss born Alchemists and Physicians used it regularly.   The founder of Naturopathic Medicine, Samuel Hahnemann, included it in his medicine cabinet.   In 1939 Dr. Karl Daniel and Pharmacist Dieter Schmaltz wrote a book about this herb.

Additional Information

1.   Some research indicates this plant is toxic so it may be best used under medical supervision.

Cautions

1.   The juice can produce poisoning by congesting the lungs and liver and by its narcotic action on the nervous system.

2.   Poisoning has also resulted from handling the crushed plant.

3.   Use only under medical supervision

4.   It is important that the correct dosage is taken as it is poisonous in large amounts..

Magick Information

Gender:

Masculine

Planet:

Sun

Element:

Fire

Deity:

None

Powers:

Protection

Magickal Uses:

Wear Cenandine   as a protective herb.