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Lesser Celandine
(Cytisus scoparius)
Size: 15-20cm
Distribution: Throughout the UK
Flowering months: February to April
Habitat: Hillsides, moist fields, shady areas under trees,
damp hedgerows, open woodland, bare ground meadows, ditches and banks,
sometime forming dense clumps or patches.
Folk Names: Small Celandine, Figwort, Smallwort, Pilewort,
brighteye, butter and cheese.
Description:
The leaves are on long stalks, arising from a short, prostrate stem, and
are very variable, the first being heart-shaped, the later ones bluntly
cut into, somewhat like the ivy. They often have dark markings.
Bright yellow solitary flowers on long peduncles appear in spring, and
have three sepals and 8-12 lanceolate petals, each with a nectary at
the base. The blossoms shut up before rain, and even in fine weather do
not open before nine o'clock, and by 5 p.m. have already closed for
the night. The Celtic name of the plant, Grian (i.e. the sun), refers to
this habit. The petals are green on the underside, and directly the
flowers close they become inconspicuous. The fleshy roots, up to 3cm long,
are oblong or club-shaped.
Effects: Natural power, war, rage, destruction, force, action
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Associated Deities: Bast, Eostre, Kwan Yin, Sunna, Artemis,
Belinos, Diana, Hecate
Traditions:
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the tubers of this plant
resembled piles. In the Western Isles of Scotland they were believed to
resemble a cow’s udder, and they were hung in cow byres to ensure
high milk yields. Wordsworth was so fond of the flowers that he had them
carved on his tomb and fancifully suggests that the painter who first
tried to picture the rising sun, must have taken the idea of the spreading
pointed rays from the Celandine's 'glittering countenance.'
"There is a flower, the lesser celandine,
That shrinks like many more from cold and rain,
And the first moment that the sun may shine,
Bright as the sun himself, 'tis out again!"
Extract from The Small Celandine by William Wordsworth (Publishd 1888)
Magic: Psychic ability, associated with Scorpio
Medical Indications:
The whole herb is collected in the wild state, while in flower in March
and April, and dried. The tubers are collected in in May and June. Constituents:
Saponins (based on hederagenin and oleanolic acid), anemonin and
protoanemonin, tannin. Astringent This herb is an old remedy for piles,
for which it has recently been re-introduced into the British
Pharmacopoeia, and is considered almost a specific. Internally, the
infusion of 1 OZ. in a pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful
doses, and will in most cases be sufficient to effect a cure.
It has a traditional use in the treatment of piles, both as an internal
remedy and in the form of an ointment or suppository. Nowadays, it is used only
externally because of its acrid nature. The saponins are locally anti-haemorrhoidal,
an action enhanced by the astringent tannins. The saponins have a
fungicidal action.
It is also used externally as an ointment, made from the bruised herb with
fresh lard, applied locally night and morning, or in the form of
poultices, fomentations, or in suppositories. A most excellent
ointment has been recommended for external abscesses, etc., made from
Pilewort, Elder-buds, House-leek, and leaves of the Broad Plantain,
prepared in the early spring, when the Pilewort is in flower. The roots
are highly valued as a medicine in Cochin-China.
(Photograph taken 28/04/2003 ©2003 Ryewolf)
DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that this information is provided solely for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to using any herbs or treatments made from herbs.
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