A controversial herb with alleged anti-cancer properties can grow in Indiana.
Celandine, known botanically as Chelidonium majus, is a perennial which grows hardily in Zones 4 through 8, according to Richters.com. Indianapolis is in Zone 5B, so it will grow here. It is sown in spring, late summer or early fall, and is considered easy to germinate.
"Latex juice mixed with vinegar is said to remove warts and corns," Richters.com reports. "Decoction is useful for stomach pains and inflammation of the bilary duct. New research indicates it has potent anticancer properties."
According to The Herb Book by John Lust, N.D., celandine is also known as garden celandine, great celandine, or tetterwortt. It is used as an anodyne, antispasmodic, caustic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hydragogue, narcotic and purgative. In other words, it is a painkiller, fights spasms, can destroy living tissue, can induce sweat, promotes urination, and promotes bowel activity.
"Taken internally, celandine has a special effect on the digestive system (stomach, gallbladder, liver) and its antispasmodic properties make it useful for asthmatic symptoms," Lust writes. "As a hydragogue it is used for dropsical conditions. Externally, made into an ointment or a poultice, celandine can be used for skin diseases like herpes, eczema and ringworm. The juice has some antiseptic properties and has long beeen used to remove warts. Mix with vinegar when using the juice on the skin."
However, Lust cautions that the juice can poison an individual by congesting the lungs and liver. Its narcotic activity on the nervous system can also cause problems. He also warns that handling the crushed plant can cause an allergic reaction. "Use with extreme caution, preferably with medical direction," Lust writes.
The American Cancer Society, however, warns against celandine, which can also come in an alternative medicine known as Ukrain.
"Small studies conducted mostly in Eastern Europe found that Ukrain had some positive effects; however, substantial limitations in the methods used in these clinical trials limit the relevance of their results, which have not been rechecked to verify the treatment’s safety and effectiveness," warns the web page. "Celandine has been reported to cause hepatitis when used as an herbal preparation. ... Available scientific evidence does not support claims about the benefits of celandine."
Lust writes that celandine can be taken in three ways:
- Infusion--use 1 level teaspoon rootstock or herb with one cup boiling water, steep for 30 minutes. Drink cold, 1/2 cup a day.
- Tincture--10 to 15 drops.
- Juice--for warts, dab no more than 2 or 3 warts at a time with fresh juice, two or three times a day.
Celandine is a member of the poppy family, according to Wikipedia. It should not be confused with lesser celandine, which is a member of the buttercup family and has different medicinal benefits.
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