Greater Celandine Seeds. Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus), also known as nipplewort, swallowwort or tetterwort, is a herbaceous short lived perennial plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is 30 to 60cm tall with hairy branched and spreading stems. On them are sinuate-pinnate leaves, pale green on top, and blue-green frosting underneath. The flowers consist of four bright yellow petals and numerous stamens.
In all parts of the plant there is an orange juice milk, which is released when the plant is broken, even when picked, and stains the fingers yellow. Greater celandine has a long history of herbal use and the entire plant is used to create herbal remedies.
Greater Celandine Medicinal Benefits
The dried above-ground parts, root, and rhizome are used to make medicine.
- Help protect the liver and treat liver disease.
- Treat spasms of the bile duct and gastrointestinal tract, such as irritable bowl syndrome.
- Help clean the gallbladder.
- Stimulate bile secretion in cases of hepatitis, jaundice and gallstones.
- May soothe symptoms of indigestion and a sense of fullness.
- May soothe spasms in the bronchial tract.
- In Russia, celandine is regarded as useful in cases of cancer.
Growing Greater Celandine
Indoor Sowing: Cold Stratification and then transplant seedlings in Spring.
Direct Sowing: Autumn.
- The seeds should be direct sown in autumn.
- Scatter seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover with soil. Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
- You can also start the seeds indoors, after first cold stratifying the seeds for 60 days.
- After the cold stratification process, scatter the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover with soil. Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
- Germination can be slow and erratic with some seeds taking up to twelve months to sprout.
- It will grow in almost any soil except waterlogged soil, but it does like a reasonable amount of water.
- It is an ideal plant for part or full shade, but it will grow in full sun provided it gets enough moisture.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.