Celandine

Chelidonium Majus, as it is scientifically known, is a plant with yellow flowers that can grow spontaneously in uncultivated, shady places, but can also be planted in gardens or pots.

With proper care, it can reach a height of one metre. It is easily recognised by its reddish sap with a bitter taste that is secreted in the stem and leaves.

Its benefits include:

• Antioxidant role – it contains isoquinoline alkaloids and flavonoids, substances known for their antioxidant properties;
• Stimulates bile secretion, helping digestion to function normally
• Supports gallbladder health – a mixture of celandine and turmeric can help reduce cramps, stomach pain and bloating;
• Reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis - this condition occurs when the immune system attacks the bones and bone cartilage. Greater celandine extract blocks inflammatory proteins, which can reduce swelling, pain and inflammation;
• Antimicrobial role - helps to eliminate the microorganisms responsible for the appearance of Staphylococcus aureus;
• Relieves or removes warts - thanks to its latex content enriched with cysteine protease, it helps treat warts;
• Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - a mixture of alcohol and celandine soothes the symptoms of this condition, and celandine-based supplements can relieve stomach pain;
• Reduces eczema - applying celandine sap to affected areas can help treat atopic dermatitis, reduce redness and itching;
• Reduces cholesterol - berberine, contained in celandine, lowers LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels, reduces blood vessel inflammation and helps metabolise fats;
• Boosts immunity - celandine fights infections (such as tonsillitis) and boosts immunity;
• Reduces asthma symptoms - the alkaloids contained in celandine can soothe the airways, reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and block the effect of histamines (the cells that cause this condition);
• Relieves stomach ulcers - by reducing stomach acidity, increasing gastric mucus secretion and blocking inflammatory molecules.

Celandine is a versatile plant and can be used in the form of:

Celandine tea is recommended in courses of up to 10 days, maximum three cups per day. It is prepared from one teaspoon of dried herbs mixed with a cup of boiling water and left to infuse for about 15 minutes.

Powder - dried rosemary plants can be finely ground and consumed in powder form, half a teaspoon per day. It can be consumed raw, with a glass of water, or in dishes and snacks (salads, yoghurts, smoothies).

Tincture - Add 15 tablespoons of powder or dried plants to half a litre of alcohol with a minimum strength of 50%. Leave to macerate for two weeks, then consume 15-20 drops mixed in a glass of water on an empty stomach. The treatment lasts for 10 days.

For people who are not allowed to consume alcohol, add 200 ml of water or tea, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat, add the alcoholic tincture and leave the container uncovered for 10-15 minutes. The alcohol will evaporate completely, leaving only the active ingredients in the tincture.

Poultice - used especially for eczema. Soak 50-100 g of celandine leaves in a bowl of warm water for several hours and apply to the affected area. The process can be repeated for up to four weeks, depending on how quickly the problems improve.

People undergoing treatment or suffering from chronic conditions should avoid celandine. Celandine can stimulate the effects of certain medications, so it should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.

People with allergies should not consume celandine.

Celandine tincture is contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Excessive consumption of rosemary may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue or even fever, may affect liver function, and toxic substances may cause delirium or ventricular arrhythmia.

Cream based on celandine is recommended for skin infections, warts, psoriasis, herpes, cracked skin, dehydrated skin, thickened skin, and irritated skin. It has the following benefits:

• Restructures the skin
• Restores skin elasticity
• Soothes the skin
• Moisturises
• Acts as a remedy on dry skin or cracked and thickened areas of the skin

• Has a nourishing and antiseptic action
• Destroys pathogenic bacteria in the treated area, penetrates deep into the tissues, completely healing infections
• Removes warts

Celandine cream contains: Celandine oil extract, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, lanolin, lavender essential oil, vitamin E, linalool

Benefits of the natural ingredients used in Celandine cream:

• Celandine oil extract – moisturises thick, dry and cracked skin on the heels
• Extra virgin olive oil – intense moisturiser that regenerates skin cells and softens the complexion
• Beeswax – gives creams consistency and stability
• lanolin – promotes the penetration of active substances into the skin
• lavender essential oil – soothes the skin, calms injured, reddened, sunburned or insect-stung skin
• vitamin E – powerful antioxidant

Apply a thin layer of cream to damp skin. Water helps the oils penetrate deep into the skin. Massage gently using broad, circular movements until completely absorbed. We recommend testing the cream on a small area of skin first.