Lesser Celandine, Ranunculus ficaria (syn. Ficaria verna, F. ranunculoides or F. grandiflora), is also known as pilewort. Despite the name, it is not related to the greater celandine, nor is it related to the Prince’s feather (also sometimes called pilewort).
Lesser celandine is a hardy perennial which reaches a height of around 8 inches (20cm), and likely to become invasive in areas with its preferred conditions, especially in semi-shady areas. It prefers moist neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or semi-shade.
Lesser celandine contains toxins when fresh, but these break down quickly on heating or drying. The sap may cause irritation.
Medicinally, lesser celandine is used mainly externally for one sole purpose, which you may already suspect from the other common name: hemorrhoids. The best way to use it is as an ointment, which you can make as follows (this is the easiest method I know of, though there are several other ways to achieve a similar result): measure 1 part of dried celandine to 2 parts of cold cream by volume, eg. 1 cup celandine to 2 cups cream. Mix together by pounding in a pestle and mortar, or I guess you could achieve a similar result using a blender, though I wouldn’t want to wash it up afterwards!
The same treatment is sometimes used to treat perineal damage after childbirth.
If you experience irritation, discontinue use.
As with all herbs used medicinally, it’s important to grow lesser celandine organically to avoid corruption of its essential constituents. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.
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