Greater celandine, swallow-wort, tetterwort

facts contributed by Kew Gardens 22 Jan | 11:28

The use of greater celandine as a herbal remedy in the United Kingdom dates to Medieval times. The bright orange sap was used, before prescription medicines became common, for treating warts and verrucas.

Greater celandine is a perennial in the poppy plant family with yellow flowers and orange sap. It contains toxic alkaloids and should be used with great care; it is subject to legal restriction in some countries and should not be taken by pregnant women.

Greater celandine should not to be confused with lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) in the buttercup family.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Asia

Habitat: Temperate grassland.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae)

The distinctive orange sap of greater celandine was mostly used for treating skin conditions such as warts, corns and verrucae.

Qualified herbalists may administer it internally for liver and gall bladder ailments, and externally to treat cataracts.

add comment


Do you know of any alternative approaches? Are you aware of any similar ones?

You need to be logged in to comment.

About the site | Help | © Channel 4 Television Corporation

Important Information: The information provided on this website is not to be treated as medical advice or any recommendation to try or use any of the remedies described. This information is intended to be used as a historical record only. It is not a substitute in any way for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.