Chelidonium majus – plant powder

Celandine powder is a convenient form for incorporating into traditional formulas, particularly for external applications such as herbal poultices. It requires professional supervision due to the presence of powerful alkaloids.

Description

Fine green to brownish powder, bitter taste, pungent odor. Handle with care to avoid accidental inhalation.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Greater celandine, Greater celandine, Wart herb
• Latin name: Chelidonium majus
• Family: Papaveraceae
• Part used: Aerial part
• Form: Powder
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Greater celandine
• Name in German: Schöllkraut
• Name in Spanish: Celidonia mayor
• Name in Italian: Celidonia maggiore
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق بقلة الخطاطيف (Masḥūq Baqlat al-Khattāṭīf)

Main virtues

Sought after for its traditional uses in the formulation of external care products and decoctions for professional use, it remains a reference plant in ancient pharmacopoeias.

Main constituents

Isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, sanguinarine, etc.), flavonoids, organic acids, latex (dry).

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1/2 teaspoon in 200 ml of water. Boil for 5 minutes then infuse for 10 minutes. Filter carefully.
• Poultices: powder mixed with warm water or clay for localized applications.
• Professional use recommended.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Contains alkaloids: strictly controlled use.
• Never use without clear professional advice.
• Avoid in children, pregnant women, sensitive people or people taking multiple medications.

History and origin

A sacred plant in ancient pharmacopoeias, greater celandine was recognized in Greco-Roman and medieval medical texts. Its bright yellow latex was once associated with purification rituals, particularly in the European monastic tradition.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light and humidity and in an airtight container.
• Packaging: loose powder in kraft bag or opaque pot.
• Appearance: fine, green to light brown powder.
• Odor: pungent, slightly acrid vegetal.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Regulated plant references
• Corpus of European ethnobotany
• Ancient and monastic pharmacopoeias

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