Celandine is a perennial plant known by the botanical name, Chelidonium majus. Celandine also goes by the name of tetterwort or nipplewort and is related to the poppy family. Celandine is native to Europe and western Asia and now grows extensively throughout North America.1,2
The celandine plant grows up to 3 feet tall. It has a soft, thick root with a slender, hairy stem. The celandine plant emits a bright orange juice when the stems of leaves are broken. This juice has a foul odor and a bitter taste. The celandine plant has blue-green colored leaves and grows fruits in pods.1,2
The whole plant, including the
Celandine Health Uses and Health Benefits
Many of the known celandine benefits come from its content of alkaloids and flavonoids. Two of the alkaloids contained in celandine include chelidonine and
Traditional celandine uses have included a liver cleansing tonic used by
Studies have found the following celandine benefits:
Other known celandine uses for natural therapy include:
Celandine Side Effects and Precautions
The celandine plant is toxic if not taken in proper doses. Therapeutic doses are safe to take but it’s important to consult a certified herbalist before taking celandine for any condition. If not taken properly, celandine side effects can cause liver failure or digestive problems. Other celandine side effects may include nausea and dizziness.2,3
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