Greater Celandine, Berberine

[Lisa DerksenStudent]

My “heaven on earth” came with many herbs, one of which is greater Celandine.   I know it has berberine.  My question is can I use greater Celandine as a substitute for Barberry or Oregon grape?

[EllieStudent]

Hi Lisa,

What have you used Celandine for?  I just grew this plant and I am looking for different ways to use it medicinally.  Also, is this plant invasive or do you grew yours in a pot?  Thanks!

[Lisa DerksenStudentTopic Author]

My garden came with Greater Celandine.  It, along with most everything else I grow, does want to take over the world so it is a true jungle in this northern garden.  Extras get used as chop & drop mulch or into the compost bin.

I tinctured the roots and have been using it occasionally to support my liver.  I’ve since read the whole plant can be used.  I’d like to know how it compares to barberry & Oregon grape.  While I work with both of those plants, I don’t own any and have never used them as medicine.

[EllieStudent]

Lisa,

I don’t know how it compares to barberry and Oregon grape but I have heard that you can use Celandine for improving eyesight.  They say that you just apply the yellow juice from the plant and rub it over the eyelid (caution- it hurts really bad if you get it in your eyes!).  This should be done in the morning and evening before bed and it may take several months to improve eyesight.  However, a woman in her 70’s, who had lost her driver’s license because of failing eyesight, was able to improve her eyesight and passed the eye exam after using Greater Celandine.  I have never used this plant but this seemed pretty cool!  I would be concerned that this plant could mess up the vision in the wrong way.  Any thoughts?

2 users thanked author for this post.

Dawn, Dr. Patrick Jones

[Greg BoggsStudent]

Wow, that is fascinating. Thank you for sharing!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve never used greater celandine. From what I’ve read, the berberine levels are lower than those of barberry, Oregon grape, goldenseal etc…

Here’s a research review article with some interesting information. Seems like the toxicity might be higher than some berberine containing herbs and that some folks get pretty bad dermatitis if they touch the latex sap.

Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine) – A review on its Phytochemical and Therapeutic Perspectives
Amal K. Maji, Pratim Banerji

 

 

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Dr. Patrick Jones.

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