Chelidonium: use, properties, and tradition

Chelidonium majus L., a member of the Papaveraceae family, is also known by the common names Celandine, Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, and Swallow Herb.

Throughout the plant, there is an orange-yellow latex widely used as a keratolytic for the removal of warts and verrucas, from which its name is derived.

A perennial herb, standing 40-80 cm tall, it thrives in uncultivated areas, along hedges, and in ruins. The slender stem is highly branched.

The leaves are alternate and imparipinnate; the flowers are yellow, gathered in small umbels opposite the leaves and at the end of the stem.

The fruit is an elongated capsule containing numerous black oval seeds, and the root is dark red on the outside and yellow on the inside. All parts of the plant contain an orange-yellow latex.

The term “Chelidonium” comes from the Greek “of the swallows,” and “majus” from Latin “greater”; the name recalls the popular observation that swallows were accustomed to opening the eyes of their nestlings by rubbing a stem of this plant on their closed eyes.

Its ophthalmic properties are mentioned in literature; it is said that the juice of the entire plant “brightens vision” or “clears eye dimness” (Mattioli, Castore Durante). Paracelsus recommended it to open liver obstructions.

The latex is caustic, which is why the plant was historically attributed with a very strong heating quality (Galen).

In folk use, it was used, based on its yellow color and bitter taste, for liver conditions, rheumatism, and spleen diseases.

In homeopathy, the mother tincture obtained from the root is used, with indications in cases of hepatobiliary and pulmonary affections. The phytocomplex also causes a slight reduction in myocardial contraction force, mild systemic sedation, and stimulation of pancreatic secretions.

Main constituents: isoquinoline alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, saponins, carotenoids, proteolytic enzymes. The root is the richest part in alkaloids.

For external use, the latex is recommended for infected acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, it is suggested as a keratolytic for calluses, warts, and condylomas.

External use – Freshly squeezed juice: apply 3-4 times a day on calluses, warts, corns, and scaly dermatoses. Protects healthy skin. (Phytotherapy, Jean Valnet)

GIULIA CALDARELLI