Celandine: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

As an alternative to conventional medicine, numerous medicinal plants exist, some of which can develop a similar potential as chemical drugs. Among these, for example, is the celandine. However, great caution is required when dealing with celandine. An overdose can lead to toxic phenomena.

Occurrence and cultivation of celandine.

Celandine can be increasingly found along hedges, fences, walls and in deciduous forests. Celandine is known by many synonyms. Other terms are witchweed, goldenroot or swallowwort. The plant is found in large parts of Europe. It grows prolifically on calcareous soils and reaches a size of about 70 centimeters. The celandine can be increasingly found on hedges, fences, walls and in deciduous forests. The roots have an orange color. From them sprouts a hairy stem, on which there are leaves at irregular intervals. In the flowering season of the celandine, between April and October, yellow flowers develop. These house pods that contain the plant’s seeds. Celandine is considered toxic overall, with the unpleasant-smelling milky sap containing an even greater concentration of the toxic substances. Only in the dried state do the components lose their toxic properties. Nevertheless, the maximum dose was reduced to 2.5 micrograms in 2008. Medicines with a higher dosage may not be sold in Germany. The effect of celandine has been known since ancient times. Nevertheless, medical treatment should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician to exclude any possible risks.

Effect and application

In the right form and dosage, celandine is suitable for various ailments. Increased parts of the root and the flowering herb are used for healing purposes. The plant has numerous ingredients. These include, for example, alkaloids, bitter substances and essential oil. In addition, berberine and sanguinarine can be detected in the plant. These play a role in the healing effect. Their ability to destroy DNA proves useful in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Thus, one of the effects can be described as antibacterial. Accordingly, celandine is suitable for the treatment of inflammations such as rheumatism. In addition, the alkaloids succeed in interacting with receptors of the human nervous system as well as other proteins. These properties are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic effects of the medicinal plant. Chelidonin has two effects. First, it also has an antispasmodic effect, and second, the substance increases the production of bile. Coptisin represents another component in the cure of cramps. It has a direct effect on the internal muscles. The application of celandine leads to relaxation of the muscles, whereupon the intensity of various cramps can be weakened. Apart from internal applications, there are also positive reports about external treatments with celandine. These refer in particular to eczema, ulcers, acne and warts. Thus, the effect of the medicinal plant can be recorded as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, soothing and analgesic. At the same time, celandine has side effects. Sensitive individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort and itching when taking it. In addition, deterioration of liver function may occur. Patients with obstruction of the bile ducts should refrain from using the medicinal plant. The same applies to people who have cleared up about existing duodenal or gastric ulcer.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

The various properties of celandine ensure that the plant is used for numerous ailments. In this context, the use of celandine refers to a treatment of existing complaints. The medicinal plant is not suitable for the prevention of diseases. It has different side effects, but for health in general it is considered a useful alternative to conventional medicine. Due to the interaction of coptisin, chelidonin and coptisin, the plant has antispasmodic and bilious effects in disorders of the digestive tract. Celandine sparks a relaxing effect on the gallbladder, intestines and stomach.At the same time, existing spasms in this area can be alleviated, whereby frequently existing pain assumes a lower level. The fact that the gallbladder loses its tension is partly due to the loosened muscles. However, the greater part is due to the increased production and emptying of bile. Berberine and chelidonine are responsible for promoting gallbladder emptying. This results in faster emptying than is normally the case. Accordingly, celandine is increasingly used for ailments of the gallbladder and liver. Particularly often, these are diseases that have arisen due to disturbed bile flow. In addition to gallbladder inflammation, the active ingredients are also suitable for the treatment of jaundice, gout and liver swelling. The antispasmodic properties are also used to treat menstrual cramps, stomach aches, asthma, and irritable and spasmodic coughs. For this purpose, a tincture or various tea mixtures of celandine are usually applied. The tea can be made from 2 teaspoons of celandine and 150 milliliters of water. In this process, the liquid must infuse for seven minutes. Used externally, the medicinal plant helps with skin diseases. These include warts, calluses and corns. Certain ingredients give celandine a corrosive effect. If the yellow juice is applied daily to the affected skin areas, it can dissolve existing warts. Regular application and sparing healthy skin areas are important here. As a diluted juice or tea, the medicinal plant is suitable for eczema, acne and ulcers. As with all medicines, self-dosing should not be done. Prescriptions and overdoses lead to toxic manifestations as well as further discomfort.