Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

*Designated an invasive species in the following states, no sale: MI, NH, PA The reaching sunny blossoms of Greater Celandine make for a brightening addition to the summer landscape, where it can be seen growing quite gladly under a variety of conditions. A member of the poppy family, various parts of this plant release a yellow juice upon injury. One should note that this sap can be an irritant to skin and eyes. However, through Ancient Greece and the Middle Ages, Chelidonium majus was admired particularly for relief of skin ailments, jaundice, and eye conditions. Folk medicine indicates the juice or salves of the plant for topical use, and an infusion taken to better liver health (particularly recorded in Eastern European cultures). Celandine has an important use throughout history as a dye plant— the ground roots, stems, and leaves of this plant can be boiled and processed to create a buttery or straw-yellow pigment. Its potency as a coloring agent can be easily intuited in witness