Chelidonium majus, commonly known as Greater celandine is an essential plant in Chinese traditional medicine and has a very long history of medicinal use. Celandine is a relatively small plant which has leaves and yellow petals that are about a centimeter long.
The plant is mostly viewed as being invasive in some natural environments. However, it has proven potent in herbal supplements and effective in the treatment of certain health conditions including kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, and liver problems. The herb is also helpful in easing gallbladder pain and in reducing inflammation in health conditions such as arthritis and gout. According to some research, it can also be effective against skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
The Health Benefits of Celandine
For centuries, Greater celandine has been used in the treatment a range of health conditions. Thankfully, it is still effective.
Let’s talk about its many impressive health benefits.
Improves Digestion
Greater celandine is particularly useful for treating digestive problems that cause bloating, nausea, and cramping. Celandine extract can help ease cramping and relieve indigestion. What it actually does is to help the body in stimulating the production of bile and other digestive enzymes. This greatly helps digestion and can even treat stomach ulcers.
Although there are no scientific pieces of evidence to ascertain the claims, greater celandine has proven helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome and other serious inflammatory conditions that affect the stomach.
Prevents Cancer
For so many years, the search for a perfect solution to this chronic disease has been on with researchers doing all they can to find a cure. Thankfully, Greater celandine is one plant with an anti-cancer potential and so far, the early signs are encouraging. In fact, there is some proof that greater celandine, when injected into patients with any form of cancer, can enhance their chances of survival. Greater celandine has also shown that when taken orally, may provide an anti-tumor effect on patients suffering from cancer.
However, though the results of the study on cancer and greater celandine may have been promising, more research is needed. With this, it can be clearly ascertained whether the herb is effective for treating cancer.
Treats Eczema
The extract of the plant, for so many years, has been used as a traditional remedy for treating a variety of skin conditions and according to studies; it may be effective in treating atopic dermatitis as well.
Greater celandine had an amazing effect on eczema by reducing the severity of its many symptoms including itching and inflammation. The plant also has the potential to deal with atopic dermatitis.
Protects the Liver and Gallbladder
Greater celandine is a powerful purifier and thus, cleanses the liver. It is able to detoxify the body owing to its ability to flush out waste and toxins from of the system.
The herb protects the liver from cellular damage and reduces liver congestion or inflammation. It may also be helpful in preventing jaundice and is an effective treatment for fibrosis. Additionally, it helps in stimulating the gallbladder and keeping it functioning properly, especially since gallbladder problems are known to result in a variety of other problems like indigestion.
Greater celandine is also known to help induce the production and the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes which, in turn, helps in the prevention of infections, inflammation, and diseases such as hepatitis. While the herb can help protect the liver and gallbladder and treat indigestion, people with liver disease or any other liver issues should see a doctor before using this herbal remedy.
Alleviates Anxiety and Insomnia
It has been proven that Greater celandine treats anxiety and acts as a mild sedative. The herb also has narcotic properties and thus should only be taken in small doses.
When taken in small doses, it can ease pain, stress, insomnia, and anxiety due to its analgesic properties.
Has Antimicrobial Properties
Greater celandine has always been traditionally used as a treatment for toothache and gum disease. According to studies, the plant extract has a very powerful antibacterial activity and protects the body against certain strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. These antibacterial abilities have been directly linked to the plant’s component called chelerythrine. The herb is also very effective in combating viruses, including the herpes simplex virus.
Additionally, tinctures prepared from greater celandine, when applied topically, can treat a range of chronic skin conditions and deal with skin infections. As a matter of fact, it can successfully eliminate eczema, warts, ringworm, corns and skin tags owing to its strong antiviral abilities.
The Other Uses of Celandine
Apart from the amazing health benefits of Greater Celandine mentioned above, the herb can be used for the treating for treating gout, arthritis, spasms, genital warts, and act as an anti-fungal as well.
Precautions and Side Effects
Similar to other herbal remedies, Greater celandine is natural but should be used with caution. As a matter of fact, the herb should be taken under the supervisio of a doctor.
- Chelerythrine, a compound present in greater celandine can lead to sleepiness.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should steer clear of the herb.
- The safety of the herb for children has not been determined yet and it should not be given to them.
- Those suffering from liver problems should not use the herb and consult a doctor if they have to.
- Greater celandine is not the same as lesser celandine which is an entirely different plant with completely distinct health benefits.
