LESSER CELANDINE Overview Information
Lesser celandine is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, people take lesser celandine for scurvy, a condition caused by lack of vitamin C.
Lesser celandine is sometime applied directly to the skin for bleeding wounds and gums, swollen joints, warts, scratches, and hemorrhoids.
In food, fresh leaves of lesser celandine are sometimes used in salads.
Don't confuse lesser celandine with greater celandine (Chelidonium majus). Also, don't confuse lesser celandine with Scrophularia nodosa, since both are sometimes called figwort; or with amaranth and bulbous buttercup, since all three are known as pilewort.
How does it work?
Lesser celandine contains vitamin C. It also has a drying effect, soothes mucous membranes, and contains chemicals that cause skin irritation. Some researchers think that chemicals in lesser celandine might kill or prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. Other chemicals might help treat hemorrhoids.
LESSER CELANDINE Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
TAKEN BY MOUTH
- Scurvy.
- Other conditions.
- Bleeding wounds.
- Bleeding gums.
- Swollen joints.
- Warts.
- Scratches.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Other conditions.
LESSER CELANDINE Side Effects & Safety
Lesser celandine is UNSAFE when used on skin or when taken by mouth. Taking it by mouth can cause side effects such as severe irritation of the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, and irritation of the urinary tract. Liver damage has been reported.
Putting lesser celandine on the skin can cause mucous membrane and skin irritation. The fresh, bruised plant can cause blisters if it is in contact with the skin long enough.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use lesser celandine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Don’t use it.Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) tract problems: Lesser celandine can irritate the GI tract and make GI conditions worse. Don’t use lesser celandine if you have a stomach or intestinal problem, especially an infection or a condition that causes swelling (inflammation).
LESSER CELANDINE Interactions
We currently have no information for LESSER CELANDINE Interactions
LESSER CELANDINE Dosing
The appropriate dose of lesser celandine depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lesser celandine. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
