Greater celandine: Common weed with surprising healing powers

Greater celandine is well-known in natural medicine. This plant is especially recommended for treating warts and calluses, but its uses do not end there.

Greater celandine is a common weed with medicinal properties, used for centuries, among other things, as an antipyretic. However, celandine has numerous other applications. Learn what else is worth knowing about this plant.

Numerous studies have proven that a tincture of greater celandine has anticancer effects (greater celandine is a main ingredient in a preparation that treats several types of cancer, including leukemia). Additionally, celandine has diuretic properties, helps with excessive water retention in the body, and accelerates skin regeneration, for example, after irritation. Celandine is also excellent in treating psoriasis and fungal infections, and it can be successfully used on corns and warts.

Greater celandine has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it shows slight calming properties in cases of neurosis. Using a decoction of greater celandine is recommended to soothe nerves and ensure a good night's sleep. It can also effectively reduce headaches. Celandine also relaxes smooth muscles, which regulate the functions of the digestive tract, bile ducts, and reproductive organs. With its relaxing, bactericidal, and choleretic effects, it is recommended for use in pancreatic diseases, hepatitis, indigestion, and gallstones.

Greater celandine oil or ointment is applied to the skin, for example, in rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems. The plant has a cleansing effect on the skin, which is why it is also used to combat various skin changes.

A celandine infusion is prepared by pouring 2 cups of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried herb. After 30 minutes, the infusion should be strained. The infusion should be used up to 4 times a day, 3.5 ounces each time. Such a treatment can last up to two weeks. Despite its many health benefits, greater celandine is considered a toxic plant, so it should be used under the supervision of a doctor or herbalist. The maximum daily dose is accepted as 0.07–0.18 ounces of dried herb (12–30 mg alkaloids).