This plant is a powerful natural remedy for stubborn skin issues like warts, calluses, eczema, papillomas, and more.
Once you learn how to use it properly, it can become a reliable ally in your skincare routine. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!
Introducing Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Commonly referred to as “snake’s milk,” Greater Celandine is a hardy perennial herb widely praised for its ability to treat various skin conditions.
It can grow up to 70 cm tall and is easy to identify thanks to its small, four-petaled yellow flowers. Its stems are slightly hairy and branch out. When broken, the plant exudes a yellow-orange sap—this is where the magic lies.
This sap contains numerous active compounds and alkaloids that are highly effective against warts, skin tags, corns, and other abnormal skin growths.
During the plant’s active season in spring and summer, you can apply the sap directly onto affected skin areas.
However, because the fresh plant is only available for a short time each year, making a tincture allows you to benefit from its healing properties all year round.
Greater Celandine is common across Europe and Western Asia. You’ll often spot it growing along paths, in fields, forests, and even near homes. Many people walk past it without realizing it’s this powerful medicinal plant.
For Wart Removal
Break a stem and squeeze out the bright yellow sap. Dab it directly onto the wart at least twice daily.
Avoid contact with healthy skin to prevent irritation.
Though the plant is mildly toxic, it is generally safe for external use. However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild allergic reactions.
This sap can also be used to treat corns, calluses, and benign skin growths.
How to Make Snake’s Milk Ointment
You’ll need:
- Fresh celandine leaves
- A clean jam jar
- Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried propolis
- 30 grams of beeswax
Instructions:
1. Chop the celandine leaves and place them in the jar. Cover them completely with vegetable oil.
2. Use a wooden spoon (never metal) to press the leaves and help release their juice.
3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3 days, pressing the contents daily with the wooden spoon.
4. After 3 days, press again, add the dried propolis, and mix thoroughly.
5. Close the jar and let it sit for another 10 days, shaking or pressing occasionally.
6. Once ready, heat the mixture gently in a saucepan and strain it through cheesecloth.
7. While still warm, stir in the beeswax until fully melted (do not boil).
8. Strain one last time and pour into a clean jar with a lid.
Let it cool and solidify. Use a small stick or cotton swab to apply the ointment to problem areas like warts and calluses.
How to Make a Tincture for External Use
You’ll need:
- Dried Greater Celandine
- 70% rubbing alcohol
- A glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
1. Fill half of the jar with the dried herb and top it off with alcohol.
2. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark spot for three weeks.
3. After 21 days, strain the tincture and transfer it to a dark glass bottle for storage.
This tincture is ideal for treating warts, corns, and mild skin irritations. For eczema, dilute the tincture with water:
Mix 30 drops of tincture into 100 ml of cooled, boiled water.
Apply several times daily as needed.
