Lesser Celandine
The perennial of lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) reaches a height of 5 to 20 cm.
Its fleshy leaves are long-stalked, heart- or kidney-shaped, and glossy green on top with notched margins.
The star-shaped, bright yellow flowers are also shiny.
Lesser Celandine
Image source: 431027569 – stock.adobe.com
Family and collection time
Lesser celandine in the vineyard
Image source: S. Geiberger
Lesser celandine belongs to the buttercup family.
Parts of the plant used: Flowers and fresh leaves
Collection time in detail:
- Flowers: March – May
- Leaves: March – May
Healing effect and application
Healing properties:
Blood purifying, antibiotic, antiviral; for spring fatigue, skin problems, vitamin C deficiency.
The herb used to be consumed as a preventive against scurvy.
Application in naturopathy:
As a buttercup, lesser celandine should be dosed carefully, depending on the health constitution. Therefore, do not consume more than 3 fresh leaves or 2 flowers per day. Overdose may result in margin, intestinal and renal irritation.
Sitz baths for hemorrhoids
Ingredients: (selection)
- Saponins
- Vitamin C
Recipe for the kitchen:
Young leaves of lesser celandine, sorrel, goutweed and garlic ragwort are finely chopped and mixed with lean curd, cream, yogurt. Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
