Chelidonium Majus – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Composition And More

What is Chelidonium Majus?

Chelidonium majus, commonly known as Greater Celandine, is a plant recognized for its distinctive yellow-orange sap and has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. This plant is notable for its application in treating conditions related to the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system. Despite its historical usage, including the removal of warts using its toxic sap, modern medical evidence supporting these benefits is lacking, and its use can be unsafe.

Chelidonium Majus is a biennial plant with angular stems, hairy leaves, and small yellow flowers. It was brought from Europe to the United States as an herbal remedy and is now found in gardens, woodlands, and roadsides. Though it has been used in homeopathy for liver-related ailments, it’s important to be cautious due to its potential hepatotoxic effects.

Chelidonium Majus Chemical Constituents

Chelidonium Majus, or greater celandine, is known for its extensive medicinal benefits, which are primarily due to its rich chemical makeup. Below, we explore some of the active compounds found in this plant and their significant health effects.

• Chelerythrine: Chelerythrine is a potent compound in Chelidonium Majus. It has strong antibacterial properties, effectively fighting against bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which causes tooth decay. Additionally, it exhibits antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of fungi such as Trichophyton and Aspergillus species.
• Sanguinarine: Sanguinarine is another powerful alkaloid found in Chelidonium Majus. It shows significant antibacterial effects against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sanguinarine also has antiviral properties, helping inhibit the growth of viruses like herpes simplex and HIV.
• Chelidonine: Chelidonine is known for its diverse medicinal properties. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, it exhibits hepatoprotective properties, protecting the liver from damage and promoting its health.
• Berberine: Berberine is a well-known compound in Chelidonium Majus with strong antiviral properties. It helps inhibit the activity of HIV-I reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial in the virus’s replication process. Berberine also exhibits anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
• 8-Hydroxy Dihydro Sanguinarine and 8-Hydroxy Dihydro Chelerythrine: These compounds have been identified for their strong antibacterial and antifungal effects. They are particularly effective against drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi, making them valuable in combating infections that are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics.
• Chelidonic Acid: Chelidonic acid, another important constituent, has shown promise in reducing inflammation in conditions like ulcerative colitis. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thus helping in the management of inflammatory diseases.
• Alkaloids and Polyphenols: The various alkaloids and polyphenols in Chelidonium Majus contribute to its antioxidant properties. These compounds help scavenge free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. This antioxidant activity is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases.

Chelidonium Majus Preparation

Chelidonium Majus has been cherished in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The process of preparing Chelidonium Majus, especially for homeopathic use, is both meticulous and fascinating. This guide explains how to prepare ultra-high diluted Chelidonium Majus, following the principles established by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann;

• Collecting and Processing the Plant: The preparation begins with the collection of the entire Chelidonium Majus plant. Once harvested, the plant is dried and ground into a coarse powder. This initial step ensures that all the active compounds are accessible for extraction.
• Creating the Ethanol Extract: To generate the ethanol extract, a mixture of purified water and ethanol is used. Specifically, 100 grams of the powdered Chelidonium Majus is combined with 567 milliliters of purified water and 468 milliliters of ethanol. This combination produces a total of 1000 milliliters of the ethanol extract. The mixture is carefully blended to ensure thorough extraction of the plant’s beneficial compounds.
• Ultra-High Dilution Through Succussion: The next step involves preparing ultra-high dilution, a process known as potentization. Potentization enhances the medicinal properties of the extract through a series of dilutions and vigorous shaking, known as succussion. Here’s how it’s done:
• Initial Dilution: One part of the crude ethanol extract is mixed with nine parts of strong alcohol.
  Succussion: This mixture is then subjected to mechanical shaking, known as succussion. This involves forcefully striking the container against a firm surface or using a potentizer machine to generate kinetic energy.
• Repeating the Process: This dilution and succussion process is repeated multiple times. Each cycle increases the potency of the preparation. For example, the first dilution (1X) is prepared by mixing one part of the original extract with nine parts of alcohol, succussing the mixture. This process continues through successive dilutions to achieve the desired potency, such as 2X, 3X, and so on.
• Importance of Potentization: Potentization is crucial because it not only dilutes the original substance but also activates its healing properties. The kinetic energy introduced during succussion enhances the medicinal potential of Chelidonium Majus, making it highly effective in ultra-high dilutions.

Chelidonium Majus Mother Tincture

Chelidonium Majus is a plant from the Papaveraceae family that is used in homeopathy and herbal medicine. The mother tincture of Chelidonium Majus is made using the whole plant, which contains several alkaloids. This guide explains how to prepare the mother tincture in a simple, step-by-step manner;

• Collecting and Preparing the Plant: First, gather the entire Chelidonium Majus plant. Clean the plant thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. After cleaning, chop the fresh root into small pieces. Crush these pieces into a fine pulp. This step is important to extract the plant’s juices effectively.
• Extracting the Juice: Place the crushed root pulp in a piece of clean, new linen cloth. Press the fabric to squeeze out the juice from the pulp. This juice contains the essential compounds needed for the tincture.
• Mixing with Alcohol: Take the extracted juice and combine it with an equal amount of alcohol. This alcohol helps preserve the active ingredients of the plant. Pour this mixture into a well-sealed bottle.
• Infusing the Mixture: Store the bottle in a dark, cool place for eight days. Shake the bottle every day to ensure the mixture is well-agitated. This process helps to combine the plant juice with the alcohol thoroughly.
• Filtering the Tincture: After eight days, filter the mixture to remove any solid plant parts. The resulting liquid is the mother tincture. It will have a brownish-orange color and a bitter taste, and it might smell somewhat like beeswax.
• Storing the Tincture: Store the filtered tincture in a dark, cool place. This helps maintain its potency and effectiveness over time. Use the tincture as needed, either by itself or diluted with water or another liquid.

Benefits of Chelidonium Majus

Chelidonium Majus, known for its medicinal properties, is a homeopathic remedy used to treat various health issues. This plant also referred to as greater celandine, has been valued for its healing benefits, especially in liver conditions, digestive problems, skin disorders, and more.

• Liver Health: Chelidonium Majus is highly effective in supporting liver health. It helps in relieving liver enlargement and gallstones. The remedy also acts as a preventive measure against jaundice. By increasing bile production, it promotes better digestion and detoxifies the liver, aiding in conditions like hepatitis and liver disease.
• Digestive Aid: This plant is a powerful aid for digestive problems. It relieves stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and other gastric disorders. Chelidonium Majus increases the production of digestive enzymes, which improves overall digestion and reduces symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
• Skin Benefits: Chelidonium Majus is beneficial for skin conditions like eczema and dry skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and heal skin irritations, making it a valuable remedy for managing chronic skin issues.
• Sedative and Anxiety Relief: This remedy acts as a mild sedative, helping to alleviate anxiety and sleeping disorders. By promoting relaxation, it improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety, making it helpful for those who struggle with these conditions.
• Pain Relief: Chelidonium Majus contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief from pain associated with rheumatism. It helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort, offering a natural alternative for pain management.

What does Chelidonium Majus Treat?

Chelidonium majus has been recognized for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Historically, it was used to treat various ailments, including eye diseases, throat issues, and skin conditions. Today, it is widely used in homeopathy and traditional medicine for a range of health problems;

• Liver and Gallbladder Disorders: Chelidonium majus is highly effective in treating liver and gallbladder issues. It helps in managing conditions like jaundice, hepatitis, and gallstones. The herb promotes bile production, which aids in digestion and helps cleanse the liver. This action makes it beneficial for those suffering from liver enlargement and related pains.
• Digestive Problems: This herb is also used to address various digestive problems. It can relieve indigestion, colic, and constipation. Chelidonium majus helps in soothing stomach ulcers and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is particularly useful for those experiencing nausea and bilious vomiting.
• Skin Conditions: Chelidonium majus has properties that make it effective in treating skin conditions such as eczema and ulcers. It reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin, providing relief from itching and dryness.
• Respiratory Issues: The herb can also be beneficial for respiratory problems. It helps in the treatment of right lung pneumonia and relieves associated pains. Chelidonium majus is known for its ability to relax bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe.
• Pain and Inflammation: Chelidonium majus possesses strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation in various conditions, including rheumatism. The herb’s ability to inhibit certain enzymes involved in inflammation makes it effective in pain management.
• Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties: Chelidonium majus has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is effective against various pathogens, including fungi, viruses, and bacteria. This makes it useful in treating infections and boosting overall immunity.
• Anticancer Potential: Studies have indicated that Chelidonium majus may have anticancer properties. It has shown potential in inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells and enhancing the body’s immune response to tumors. This makes it a subject of interest in cancer research.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Chelidonium majus affects the central nervous system as well. It has been found to modulate neurotransmitter activity, potentially providing benefits for conditions involving nervous system imbalances.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: Research suggests that Chelidonium majus may have a role in cardiovascular health. It has been observed to affect angiogenesis and may help in managing conditions related to blood vessels.

Chelidonium Majus Homeopathic Uses

Chelidonium Majus is an herbal remedy used for a variety of symptoms affecting different parts of the body. Let’s explore its uses from head to toe;

• Mind Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus helps with significant sadness and anxiety. It can ease feelings of guilt and uneasiness, providing a sense of tranquility. It aids in mental sluggishness and dizziness often linked to liver issues, offering relief from confusion and fainting spells.
• Head Symptoms: This remedy is effective against headaches, especially those triggered by heat. It alleviates heavy, lead-like sensations in the head and bilious headaches that cause vomiting and dizziness. It is particularly beneficial for right-sided headaches that extend to the ears and shoulders.
• Eye Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus is useful for eye conditions, including stitching pains and inflammation. It helps with the opacity of the cornea and right-sided neuralgia. It also alleviates excessive tearing and the yellowing of the eye whites.
• Nose Symptoms: This remedy addresses various nasal issues, such as swelling, redness, and one-sided nasal blockage. It helps with dry coryza, black blood discharge, and liver-related nasal obstruction. It can also relieve hallucinations of smell when stooping.
• Ear Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus provides relief from pain behind the right ear and tearing pain extending from the cheekbone. It helps with temporary hearing loss during coughing and roaring noises in the ears.
• Face Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus addresses yellowish skin caused by liver disturbances. It helps with swelling, itching, and tearing pain in the facial bones. It also alleviates herpes-related itching on the face.
• Mouth Symptoms: This remedy helps with a bitter taste, yellow-coated tongue, and bad breath. It alleviates dry mouth and excessive salivation due to liver issues. It also addresses mucus discharge during coughing.
• Throat Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus helps with the sensation of choking and difficulty swallowing. It alleviates redness, swelling, and burning sensations in the throat, along with shooting pain in the tonsils.
• Chest Symptoms: This remedy aids in breathing difficulties, such as quick, short breaths and chest constriction. It helps with coughing, hoarseness, and asthma attacks, providing relief from tightness and mucus discharge.
• Heart Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus addresses heart-related issues, including lancinating pains and periodic palpitations. It alleviates chest tightness and heart discomfort often linked to liver disturbances.
• Stomach Symptoms: This remedy helps with stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially when drinking hot water. It alleviates bitterness in the mouth and bad breath, providing temporary relief from stomach discomfort.
• Abdomen Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus is effective in treating jaundice and gallstones. It helps with abdominal distention, gas, and sluggish bowel movements. It alleviates liver enlargement and associated pain.
• Rectum Symptoms: This remedy addresses constipation and liver-related stool changes. It helps with hard, round stools and alternating diarrhea and constipation. It also alleviates burning and itching of the anus.
• Urinary Tract Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus helps with urinary symptoms in people with diabetes. It alleviates frequent urination, foamy, yellow urine, and bladder pressure. It provides relief from burning pain during urination.
• Male Symptoms: This remedy addresses male genital issues, including drawing pain in the testicles and eczema. It helps with swelling and tension in the spermatic cords.
• Female Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus aids in treating menstrual issues, such as late, profuse periods and right ovarian pain.
• Skin Symptoms: This remedy is invaluable for skin disorders, including dry heat, itching, and yellowish discoloration. It helps with painful pimples, ulcers, and clammy skin.
• Back Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus alleviates neck pain, stiffness, and right shoulder blade pain. It helps with tearing pain in the back and vertebral pressure.
• Hand Symptoms: This remedy addresses weakness and pain in the arms, wrists, and fingers. It helps with rheumatic swelling and paralytic sensations.
• Leg Symptoms: Chelidonium Majus is effective in treating leg pain, especially in the hips, thighs, and heels. It alleviates rheumatic pain and paresis of the lower limbs.
• Fever Symptoms: This remedy helps with jaundice-related fever, including shivering, head heat, and cold feet. It alleviates burning heat and sweating during the night.

Chelidonium Majus Dosage

Chelidonium Majus, commonly known for its medicinal properties, is used in various forms and potencies depending on the individual case. Homeopathic doctors prescribe this based on symptom similarity. Here’s a detailed look at the dosage guidelines for Chelidonium Majus for both adults and children;

Chelidonium Majus dosage for Adults

• Mother Tincture: Chelidonium Majus in tincture form is effective for treating hepatitis and jaundice. The recommended dosage is 10-20 drops in half a cup of water, taken 2-3 times daily until symptoms improve.
• Chelidonium 3X/6X: For liver inflammation, lower potencies like Chelidonium 3X or 6X are often used. Adults should take these potencies 3-4 times a day.
• Chelidonium 30: This potency is suitable when only a few symptoms match. For jaundice and gallstones, adults should take one pill or five drops every 1 to 4 hours until the desired result is achieved.
• Chelidonium 200: Considered a higher potency, this is used when most symptoms match those of Chelidonium Majus. It should not be repeated often. Typically, it is taken once every 7 to 15 days.
• Chelidonium 1M: This very high potency is used when symptoms perfectly match. It should be administered once every 30 days, with careful monitoring of symptoms.
• Standard Extracts: Extracts standardized to 4 mg of chelidonine per capsule should be taken three times a day. Alternatively, mix 1–3 ml of tincture in water and sip slowly before meals.

Chelidonium Majus Dosage For Children

For children aged 2 years and older, the dosage is typically half that of adults. It is advisable not to self-treat the condition. Always consult a certified homeopathic doctor for better treatment results.

Who should avoid Chelidonium Majus?

Chelidonium Majus is a useful homeopathic remedy, but some people should avoid it.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take it. There is not enough information to know if it is safe for them.
• People with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis should also avoid Chelidonium Majus. This remedy can make the immune system more active, which might worsen their symptoms.
• Anyone with a blocked bile duct should avoid Chelidonium Majus. This remedy can increase bile flow, which might worsen their condition.
• People with liver diseases, such as hepatitis, should avoid Chelidonium Majus. There is some evidence that it can cause hepatitis or make liver disease worse.

Side effects and risks of using Chelidonium Majus

While Chelidonium Majus is generally safe in homeopathic potencies, it does have some side effects and risks. Here are the main points to consider;

• Skin Reactions: When applied externally as a tincture, Chelidonium Majus can cause minor skin rashes. It is important to use the remedy as directed to avoid this issue.
• Symptom Aggravation: Taking more than the advised dose can worsen existing symptoms. If this happens, antidotes like Camphora Coffea and Chamomilla can help.
• Individualized Treatment: Homeopathic remedies, including Chelidonium Majus, should be chosen based on a person’s unique symptoms and characteristics. A qualified homeopath should always evaluate and prescribe these remedies.

It’s crucial to consult with a homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy treats the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the best remedy.

References:

• https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2012/greater-celandine/
• https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/73390836/bddc3cdd00fee4570bfb2f7bf7f6abebc427-libre.pdf
• https://www.botanyjournals.com/assets/archives/2021/vol6issue6/6-6-232-189.pdf
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chelidonium-majus-dr-mahima-rastogi-/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239949111_CHELIDONIUM_MAJUS_L_-_A_REVIEW_ON_PHARMACOLOGICAL_ACTIVITIES_AND_CLINICAL_EFFECTS
• http://www.shoprx.in/product/details/3246/CHELIDONIUM-MAJUS-MOTHER-TINCTURE-Q
• https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/greater_celandine.htm#UsesAndEffectiveness

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