Skip to content
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a short-lived perennial in the poppy family with deeply lobed leaves, four-petaled yellow flowers, and vivid orange-yellow latex. It is not the same plant as lesser celandine.
Identification
Greater celandine typically grows as a branching herb with blue-green divided leaves, yellow flowers, and narrow seed pods. Broken stems and leaves release a strongly colored sap. Botanical references also note that all parts are harmful if eaten and the sap can irritate skin and eyes.
Traditional Use
European folk herbalism used the yellow latex externally, especially in wart traditions, while internal preparations were historically associated with digestive and biliary complaints. These traditional uses are not equivalent to proven modern treatment.
Research Context
The plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids and other constituents that have been studied for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and other biologic effects. Modern reviews repeatedly emphasize that evidence is mixed and safety concerns limit casual medicinal use.
Important Toxicity Warning
Greater celandine has been linked to clinically apparent liver injury, including hepatitis-like cases. Oral self-treatment is not appropriate. Re-exposure after a previous liver reaction should be avoided. Anyone who develops jaundice, dark urine, marked fatigue, nausea, or upper-abdominal pain after use should seek medical evaluation promptly.
Topical Safety
The fresh latex may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Wear gloves when handling substantial fresh material and keep sap away from the eyes.
Pregnancy & Other Cautions
Because of cytotoxicity concerns and inadequate safety data, medicinal use during pregnancy is not recommended. People with liver disease, bile-duct obstruction, or medications that can stress the liver should avoid unsupervised use.
Educational information only. This is a high-risk herb and not a casual internal-use plant.