Chelidonium (Chelidonium majus, greater celandine) is a homeopathic remedy prepared from a yellow-flowered plant of the poppy family. It is best known as a liver and gallbladder remedy: in homeopathic practice it is associated with sluggish, bilious complaints and, classically, a pain under the right shoulder blade.
Here we cover Chelidonium's plant source, its traditional homeopathic uses, the characteristic picture, and the forms and potencies you may find.
The short version: Chelidonium is the classic homeopathic liver remedy, associated with bilious, right-sided complaints and pain under the right shoulder blade.
What is Chelidonium and where does it come from?
Chelidonium is made from Chelidonium majus, or greater celandine, a plant in the poppy family that yields a bright orange-yellow sap. Traditional herbalists long linked its yellow juice with the liver and bile, and homeopathy took up the whole fresh plant, prepared through dilution and succussion into remedy form.
What is Chelidonium traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Chelidonium is one of the great right-sided, liver-oriented remedies. People reach for it when the picture includes:
- Sluggish, bilious feelings — heaviness, nausea and a coated tongue.
- Pain under the angle of the right shoulder blade, a keynote of the remedy.
- Right-sided complaints generally, including right-sided headaches.
- A yellow tinge to skin or tongue, and desire for hot food and drink.
- Digestive heaviness after rich or fatty food.
Who reaches for Chelidonium? The typical picture
The Chelidonium picture is one of liverish sluggishness with a clear right-sided emphasis. A hallmark is that warm food and drink often bring relief, and the person may feel worse in the early morning and from movement. Lethargy and a heavy, dull feeling round out the picture.
What forms and potencies does Chelidonium come in?
Chelidonium is available as pillules, tablets, liquid drops and ampoules, and is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C, as well as in combination drops for liver support. Follow the pack or practitioner guidance.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Chelidonium featured in combination remedies such as this drop formula, where it is paired with complementary homeopathic ingredients.
Chelidonium Homaccord — reach for this if you prefer a ready-made combination built around Chelidonium.
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Common questions
What is Chelidonium used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with bilious, sluggish, right-sided complaints and with liver and gallbladder pictures, classically pain under the right shoulder blade. It is not a treatment or cure for liver disease.
What is the keynote symptom of Chelidonium?
The best-known keynote is a fixed pain under the angle of the right shoulder blade, often alongside a liverish, heavy feeling.
How is Chelidonium usually taken?
It is used as pillules, tablets or drops in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. Always follow the directions on the pack or a practitioner's advice, and see a professional for persistent digestive symptoms.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.