Greater Celandine

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Greater Celandine

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus), pronounced as /ˈsɛlɪndoʊniəm ˈmeɪdʒəs/, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. The plant is native to Europe and western Asia and has been introduced to North America.

Etymology

The name Chelidonium comes from the Greek word 'chelidon', which means 'swallow'. It was so named because the flowering period of the plant coincides with the arrival of swallows. The term 'majus' is Latin for 'greater', distinguishing it from its smaller relative, the Lesser Celandine.

Description

Greater Celandine grows up to 80 cm tall and has deeply divided, lobed leaves. The flowers are yellow and appear from May to October. The plant produces a yellow-orange latex when any part of it is broken.

Uses

Greater Celandine has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its potential benefits in treating skin conditions such as warts and eczema. However, its use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to its toxic properties.

Related Terms

  • Papaveraceae: The poppy family of flowering plants, to which Greater Celandine belongs.
  • Lesser Celandine: A smaller relative of Greater Celandine.
  • Traditional Medicine: The practice of using herbs and other natural substances for medicinal purposes.

See Also

External links

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