Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is an old medicinal plant, mainly known for its traditional use on warts. At the same time, it’s considered potentially toxic and should be used with special caution. In this article, you’ll find out how greater celandine works, what the risks are, and what experts have to say about it.
What is greater celandine?
Greater celandine, also known as common celandine, belongs to the poppy family. Its most distinctive feature is the yellow-orange sap that oozes out when you break the stems. The plant often grows along walls, roadsides, and in gardens.
Historically, greater celandine was used in folk medicine for a variety of things—including skin issues, digestive problems, and liver concerns.
Greater celandine effects – what was it traditionally used for?
The most well-known use is greater celandine for warts. Traditionally, the plant’s sap was applied directly to the wart.
Phytotherapy experts trace its effects back to alkaloids like chelidonine, which can damage cells. (Source: Pharmazeutische Zeitung)
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) also points out that greater celandine is pharmacologically active, but not without risks. (Source: BfArM)
Greater celandine for warts – useful or risky?
Many users report positive experiences with greater celandine for warts. At the same time, dermatologists warn against using the sap without caution, as it can cause skin irritation, burns, and scarring.
Expert opinion: Warts—especially in kids, on the face, or in intimate areas—should be checked by a doctor. DIY herbal treatments come with risks.
Greater celandine tincture & internal use
In the past, greater celandine was also used internally, for example for stomach and liver complaints. Today, this is strongly discouraged.
According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), internal use is linked to liver damage. (Source: EMA)
Is greater celandine toxic?
Yes—greater celandine contains toxic alkaloids. Especially dangerous are:
- taking it internally without medical supervision
- use in children
- contact with eyes or mucous membranes
Experts strongly advise against making or taking greater celandine tea, tincture, or juice yourself.
Greater celandine & Hildegard von Bingen – what’s the difference?
Greater celandine doesn’t play a central role in Hildegard medicine. Instead, Hildegard von Bingen relied on better-tolerated medicinal plants to support skin, digestion, and liver.
These include:
How to identify greater celandine & risk of confusion
Greater celandine is fairly easy to spot:
- yellow four-petaled flowers
- soft, feathery leaves
- orange sap
Still, there’s a risk of confusing it with other wild plants. Experts recommend only using wild herbs if you can clearly identify them.
Conclusion: Caution with greater celandine
Greater celandine is a potent but risky medicinal plant. While its external use for warts is traditionally known, modern experts advise against using it internally.
If you’re looking for herbal support, Hildegard medicine offers gentler and better-tolerated alternatives.
