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Greater celandine (*Chelidonium majus*), commonly referred to as swallowwort or tetterwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant indigenous to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and parts of South America, where it thrives as a ruderal species in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, gardens, and open woodlands. Historical medical texts from the 16th century first documented its use in treating gastrointestinal ailments, but early practitioners also attributed to it a broader therapeutic profile—including hypotensive, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and topical analgesic effects. Contemporary pharmacological research further substantiates its antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral) properties, as well as potential cytotoxic activity against neoplastic cells. The plant’s bioactivity is primarily mediated by isoquinoline alkaloids, with chelidonine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, berberine, coptisine, and stylopine being the most abundant—particularly in the root system, where their concentration fluctuates significantly depending on the harvest period. Beyond alkaloids, the plant’s phytochemical composition includes organic acids (e.g., chelidonic and malic acids), carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein), and flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), which collectively enhance its pharmacological versatility.

In the past, it was used to treat skin changes, such as chickenpox, eczema or fungus. To achieve the expected effect, it has been lubricated with pure juice from the bark of the disease-affecting plant after being previously softened in warm water. By repeating this action, skin changes could be expected to subside after a few days.

Among the numerous preparations derived from *Chelidonium majus* L. (greater celandine), a particularly notable formulation is the topical ointment, which exhibits a broad therapeutic profile. Much like the essential oil extract, this ointment demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, substantiated by both traditional herbal medicine and contemporary phytotherapeutic research. Owing to these characteristics, the preparation is widely employed as an adjunctive treatment for inflammatory or infectious dermatological conditions, including *Acne vulgaris*, viral warts (*verrucae*), corns (*clavi*), and other suppurative skin disorders. Clinical and domestic applications further extend to the management of open wounds, contusions, trophic ulcers, and mucosal inflammations—though its potential irritant effects necessitate precise preparation and dilution in accordance with strictly defined application protocols.

To prepare a homemade celandine vinegar infusion, one must procure 10 grams of freshly minced aerial parts of the *Chelidonium majus* plant alongside 250 milliliters of unfiltered wine vinegar with an acetic acid concentration of approximately 6–8%. These components should be thoroughly combined within an airtight glass vessel, which is then stored in a cool, shaded environment—shielded from direct sunlight—for a period of four weeks. During the maceration process, specifically after an interval of two to three days, the container ought to be gently agitated to ensure uniform distribution of the botanical material. The finished extract is primarily intended for the topical treatment of cutaneous warts: a sterile cotton pad or gauze should be saturated with the solution and applied directly to the affected area twice daily. Furthermore, when appropriately diluted, the preparation may serve as an adjunct in systemic detoxification protocols, particularly for hepatic support. For this purpose, five drops of the infusion are to be dissolved in 150 milliliters of boiled, lukewarm water and consumed once per day, with caution advised due to the potential for mucosal irritation [2].

Greater celandine (*Chelidonium majus*), a perennial herb long employed in folk medicine, is primarily recognized for its topical application in the treatment of common warts, plantar warts, and other benign cutaneous lesions. The therapeutic protocol typically involves the direct application of fresh, undiluted plant juice—or an alcoholic/water-based tincture (prepared in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio)—to the affected epidermal areas, with a recommended frequency of twice daily over a span of 5 to 14 days until visible improvement is observed. While clinical anecdotes and some studies attest to its efficacy in lesion reduction, greater celandine harbors **highly toxic alkaloids** (including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and berberine), which pose significant health hazards: overexposure may induce acute poisoning characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, or neurotoxic effects. A **2010 position statement by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)** explicitly cautions that the risks associated with its use—particularly in oral formulations—far outweigh the potential benefits. **Mandatory medical supervision** is advised prior to initiation of treatment, and self-preparation of celandine extracts is strongly discouraged due to the inherent challenges in achieving precise alkaloid titration.