LESSER CELANDINE

Ranunculus ficaria

Lesser Celandine is very astringent & it has been used to treat ulcers & sore throats, support for the liver & gallbladder & poor appetite.
Lesser celandine can be applied directly to the skin for bleeding wounds & gums, swollen joints, scratches & hemorrhoids.

Lesser Celandine’s astringent qualities contract the tissues, reducing secretions & discharges while at the same time toning the blood vessels. 

It has also been used to treat varicose veins & there are references to the juices from the tubers of this wildflower being used as a topical treatment for warts.

Lesser Celandine combines well with Greater Plantain, Yarrow, Marigold or Agrimony.

PRECAUTIONS:

Taking it by mouth can cause side effects such as severe irritation of the stomach & intestines, diarrhea & irritation of the urinary tract.
Putting lesser celandine on the skin can cause mucous membrane & skin irritation. 

The fresh, bruised plant can cause blisters if it is in contact with the skin long enough.
Lesser celandine can irritate the GI tract & 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.
Pregnant & nursing women should not use Lesser Celandine. 

RECIPES:

A hot poultice or compress can be made from the roots to be placed directly on the affected area.

MAGIC:

Lesser Celandine is a Sun & Fire herb, used for fertility, prosperity & prophetic dreams.
The Celts called it Grian (sun) as its petals close up before rain.

Lesser Celandine roots resemble cows teats, so farmers used to hang them in the cowshed in a magical effort to make the cows to produce more milk.

Gypsies say that carrying the spring or two of plant in the pocket will cure piles.