The famous doctor and mystic Paracelsus already knew that many substances in nature can act both as a remedy and as a poison. With celandine, it's not just the dose that counts, but also the important difference between internal and external use.
Celandine contains toxic components
Finding celandine in nature
Greater celandine is mainly found in Europe, but since settlers spread it is also native to many locations in North America. In nature, it is primarily found in locations that have nitrogen-rich soil and are not too dry. This can be the case on stony fallow land, along the banks of water or in sparse deciduous forests. The pinnate leaves with their hairy undersides and alternate arrangement have a relatively characteristic shape, but the celandine is easier to spot during the flowering period thanks to its bright yellow flowers. When you break off a stalk of celandine, the yellowish colored plant sap is immediately visible.
Use as a natural medicine
Internal use of celandine preparations should (if at all) only be done on medical advice, as the ingredients can be toxic. On the other hand, the external use of the actually poisonous milky juice is relatively harmless if warts are carefully dabbed with it for treatment. There are also various teas and tinctures on the market, please note the exact dosage and intake instructions for these.
The Poisonous Effects of Celandine
In addition to various other active ingredients, all parts of celandine and especially the root contain alkaloids, which in extreme cases can even lead to death from circulatory failure after ingestion. These alkaloids contained in celandine can make you mentally and physically dependent:
- chelidonine
- Coptisine
- sanguinarine
tips
Like many other medicinal and poisonous plants, celandine in the garden does not usually pose a major health risk if you use it in an informed and attentive manner. Sensitive people should wear gloves to protect against skin irritation during care.