MEDICINAL PLANTS

The celandine is a perennial herb belonging to the family of poppies; usually reaches three feet tall and has bright yellow flowers and petals in a cross. If you cut the stalk or stem of the leaves flowing orange juice can be toxic in contact with skin or eyes. The plant is easily found in cool, dark, and in ruins of houses, walls and cliffs. Especially abundant on the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and is more rare to find south.

FLOWERING

The celandine blooms between March and April of collecting interest the aerial parts, root and rhizome. , Catch the plant before flowering and root until fall, when concentration has more active ingredients. It is advisable to wear gloves to start the aerial parts, as discussed above on the juice. Following is dried in thin layers on drying hurdle or, at a maximum temperature of 35 grados CelsiusC.

APPLICATIONS

Before describing its properties, it should be noted that it is a very toxic plant, so it should be used with extreme caution. Alkaloids have been found in the root, latex, leaves and stems, these alkaloids are combined with various organic acids. The seeds are very rich in oil, which can add up to 60% by weight. Folk medicine has many properties attributed to this herb it would be impossible to list them all, but its toxicity is known for some time, so only recommended for use by external means. The more common practice-and apparently the best results da-is to use it to cauterize warts due to caustic and irritant properties. She acknowledged, via internal, sedative, analgesic, antispasmodic and antitussive. But since it is a difficult plant via internal management, we recommend limiting its use and use under the juice is extracted from the plant to burn the warts. We know that sometimes its corrosive power than salicylic acid and nitric acid. It is an herb that has a long history golondrinera called the unborn when the swallows come and die when they leave. Formerly it was believed to be a good remedy for jaundice and other liver ailments, by the yellow latex. And even the alchemists used this plant in search of his philosopher's stone "that there must have his name called as the" celi Dorum "meaning godsend.

ADMINISTRATION

For domestic channel can produce narcosis, paralysis of the nerve endings and slowed breathing continuously administered states that can be carcinogenic. Therefore, only describes its topical use.
Latex. With the fresh latex is applied 2 or 3 times a day on warts, taking care to protect surrounding areas with Vaseline. You can also apply the latex powder and cover the wart with a bandage.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Poppies
HABITAT: Cool, shady
FLOWERING: March and April
PART USED: Aerial parts, root and rhizome
CASTILIAN: Celidonia mayor
CATALAN: Herba de les berruges
BASQUE: Ainhara-belarr
GALICIAN: Herba da anduriña

USES

Moderately Toxic, Moderate analgesic, Mild Colagogo.