Rediscovering greater celandine: Nature's remedy for modern ailments

Many plants in gardens and meadows serve as remedies for everyday issues. Folk medicine, along with the wisdom of our great-grandmothers and grandmothers, who used herbs not only to season dishes, made extensive use of nature's gifts. Many people have forgotten about this today, but it is worth revisiting and returning to these roots.

Greater celandine is an invaluable plant that still resides in many home pharmacies. Knowledge about its medicinal properties has been passed down from generation to generation since the times of our great-grandmothers. It was referred to as "God's leaf" or "Mary's herb," aptly reflecting its properties. Today, many people pass by celandine indifferently, sometimes even stepping on it. However, it is not just an ordinary weed cluttering up the garden.

Greater celandine is a natural remedy used to treat a variety of ailments. One of the most well-known properties of celandine is its ability to relieve pain and numbness. This makes it useful for various types of pain, such as headaches, toothaches, or joint pain. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps fight bacteria and fungi, speeding up the healing of wounds and skin inflammations.

Its antiseptic properties are most often used to treat wounds, rashes, and other skin issues of bacterial or fungal origin. It is a common ingredient in natural ointments that treat psoriasis or remove skin warts, also known as verrucas.

Celandine is a good ingredient for ointments and face tonics. Few people know that you can also prepare a healthy infusion from it. It helps treat pancreatic or liver ailments.

Pour three parts of warm, boiled water over one part of the fresh herb. Let it sit for about 5 hours, allowing the active ingredients to pass into the infusion. After this time, the infusion should be strained and poured into a tightly sealed container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Drink 30 millilitres (about 1 ounce) three times daily.

The use of celandine preparations requires caution. Despite its many medicinal properties, celandine can be toxic when used excessively. Before using, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist who can advise whether this solution suits your body. Do not overuse it. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should not use celandine.