If you accidentally get celandine inside a person. In what cases is celandine poisoning possible?

Its other names: Golden grass, Yellow grass, Cleansing grass, Devil's milk, Chistukha, Swallow grass, Witch's grass, Warthog, Wart grass, Bloodworm, Yellow spurge, Cow's grass, Chistoplod, Dog soap, Gladishnik, Chistoplod.

The Latin name of the genus comes from the Greek word “swallow”. From early times it was noticed that the plant blooms with the first arrival of swallows and withers when they fly away.

The juice of this plant is used to treat skin lesions, as well as remove warts.

Celandine is a perennial herbaceous plant of the poppy family.

The root is branched, taprooted, with a multi-headed short rhizome. The root is yellow inside, brownish-red outside.

The stem is hollow, erect, branched, ribbed, covered with inconspicuous hairs, up to 100 cm high.

The leaves below are bluish, green, pinnately divided, with distinct pairs of leaflets. Leaves are dissected into lobed-crenate lobes. The length of the leaves is up to 20 cm, the width reaches 9 cm. The upper leaves are sessile, but the lower ones are on long petioles.

The flowers are yellow and bright on long stalks, collected in umbels at the ends of the stem, almost 20 mm in diameter. The calyx consists of a pair of sepals that fall off when the flower opens. The corolla is regular, the petals are rounded. Pistil with a thin short style and a two-lobed small stigma.

The fruit is a pod-shaped, single-locular, bivalve capsule 5 cm long and 3 mm wide. The seeds are dark brown, ovoid, shiny, with a comb-like pale appendage, arranged in two rows in a capsule.

Celandine blooms all summer, four months, May - August, the fruits ripen in July-September, it all depends on the zone where they grow.

Distribution and habitats of celandine

Celandine is widespread throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union, and is less common in Central Asia.

In the south of Ukraine it can be found in small groups or sparse thickets. Distributed along the banks of the Dnieper in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as in the south of the Donetsk region. Often found in Crimea. A small amount of celandine grows in the foothills and steppe zone.

Celandine grows in soils rich in humus. Lives in coniferous, larch-birch, broad-leaved and fir-spruce forests; found near rivers in the steppe region. In the mountains it grows almost to the upper limit of forest growth. Grows on shady rocky rocks, screes, slopes and along the banks of streams in river valleys, in bushes in sparse forests, along roads, often colonizes burnt areas and clearings, settles near housing, in gardens, wastelands, vegetable gardens, pastures and as a weed plant .

Propagated exclusively by seeds. Celandine juice has an unpleasant odor, usually pungent and bitter.

Active substances that celandine contains: protopine, berberine, chelidonine, coptisine, homochelidonine, stylopine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, sparteine, saponins, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, vitamin A, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, coumarin chelidonic acid.

The plant is harvested during its flowering period, dried in the shade, in attics, under a canopy or in dryers.

Growing celandine

Due to the fact that water infusion can combat diseases and pests of the orchard, it is grown in gardens and vegetable gardens, in dachas. Having such a plant on hand is very useful both for the body and for the garden. Before planting, prepare the soil in the same way as for other medicinal crops. The area should be protected from direct sunlight and slightly damp. Seeds are sown superficially in early spring or before winter. Seeds lose their life at temperatures below 30 °C. The width between the rows should be about 50 cm. Lightly sprinkle the sown seeds with soil. With the first shoots, you need to carefully weed, water and loosen the soil.

Collect celandine carefully. Cut the plant down to the very root and spread it out in a fine layer. Dry, stirring constantly.

This herb is also found in various folk proverbs: “Golden grass is the head of all herbs,” “Poison can become nectar, and nectar can become poison.”

Useful properties of celandine

The root, stem and herb of celandine are used for medicinal purposes. But for further propagation, flowers with seeds are also collected.

The plant is poisonous and contains alkaloids: chelerythrine, homochelidonine, sanguinarine and protopine (about 20 species in total).

Chelidonine is an alkaloid, similar in structure to morphine and papaverine. Particles of essential oil, bitterness, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, carotene, saponins, organic acids: chelidonic, succinic, citric and malic, and resinous substances were found in celandine. Protopin reduces the reaction rate of the autonomic nervous system and tones the muscles of the uterus.

It is not eaten by livestock on pastures, as it causes inflammation and poisoning of the intestines and stomach.

Baths from a decoction of celandine are used for diathesis, metabolic disorders, itching, scrofula, rash, psoriasis, scabies, purulent skin lesions in young men, etc.

For psoriasis, skin tuberculosis, scabies, warts, use crushed leaves mixed with pork lard in a ratio of 1:5.

In folk medicine, lupus erythematosus is treated with herbal infusions.

Helps in the treatment of diseases such as: gout, skin tuberculosis, difficult-to-heal wounds, rheumatism, lupus, scrofula, nasal polyps, warts, lichen, callus, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, alveolar pyorrhea, trichomonas colpitis, stomatitis, cervical erosion , cholelithiasis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, colon polyposis, gastritis, toothache.

To prevent cancer in folk medicine, the following recipes are used:

Half a tablespoon of crushed plant herbs is placed in an enamel bowl and poured with one glass of boiled water, the temperature of which is from 18 to 25 ° C. Then infuse in a water bath for about 15 minutes, cool for at least 45 minutes, and filter. Drink one tablespoon of infusion three times a day for three days.

Baths and decoctions are used to strengthen hair by rubbing an infusion of celandine and water into the hair.

Dangerous properties of celandine and contraindications

Homochelidonin, contained in celandine, is a local anesthetic that is a strong convulsive poison.

Ingestion of a decoction or infusion of celandine only as prescribed by doctors and under the strictest supervision and control.

For persons suffering from bronchial asthma, epilepsy, angina pectoris, celandine is contraindicated.

In case of an overdose of the drug from celandine, poisoning with vomiting and nausea is observed, and paralysis of the upper respiratory tract is observed.

If you have an individual intolerance to celandine, never take any medications containing more than 15% celandine.

Celandine is an unpretentious plant that is found almost everywhere. Its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. In folk medicine, herbs and milky juice are widely used. Medicines are made on their basis.

If used incorrectly or accidentally, celandine poisoning may occur. Therefore, lovers of alternative medicine, as well as everyone else, need to know in what cases celandine poisoning can occur, how it manifests itself and what to do if symptoms of intoxication appear. Let's talk about this.

Why is celandine dangerous?

Celandine contains a lot of useful substances:

So, why is it dangerous then? The danger comes from alkaloids, which are powerful poisons.

1. Homochelidonin significantly reduces local pain sensitivity and causes seizures.
2. Chelerythrine causes severe local irritation.
3. Sanguinarine acts as a narcotic, causes strychnine-like convulsive syndrome, stimulates intestinal peristaltic activity and saliva formation. Has an analgesic and local irritating effect.
4. Protopin suppresses the activity of the autonomic nervous system and tones the uterus in women.
5. Chelidonine is similar to morphine. Causes local anesthesia, depression of consciousness and paralysis of the nervous system. As a result of an overdose, severe convulsions are observed.

These compounds are the cause of the corresponding signs of celandine poisoning.

In what cases is celandine poisoning possible?

Traditional medicine offers many ways to use celandine. Most often, the roots, leaves and stems are used externally to treat skin diseases. The juice of the plant effectively fights warts, calluses and condylomas, and is used for eye diseases in the form of drops. It is recommended to take celandine for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Traditional medicine also uses preparations based on celandine, including for the treatment of cancer tumors. The medicine is taken in the form of decoctions, water and alcohol infusions - externally or internally. The juice is suitable for topical application only. Sometimes oil is used.

Since celandine has active cauterizing, cleansing properties and due to the presence of strong poisons in it, if the dosage is exceeded, it is easy to get poisoned by it. Most often, poisoning is caused by celandine tincture, which contains a high concentration of active substances.

Causes of celandine poisoning:

• using celandine for treatment independently, on the advice of friends, without prior consultation with a doctor;
• exceeding the permissible dose;
• accidental ingestion of drugs or milky juice, for example by children.

Symptoms of celandine poisoning

Poisonous alkaloids present in the plant cause the following symptoms of celandine poisoning:

If the dose of poison taken is large enough, then consciousness may be absent. Possible death due to cardiac arrest!

Emergency care for celandine poisoning

First aid for celandine poisoning consists of standard emergency measures.

Treatment

Treatment for severe celandine poisoning is carried out in a hospital setting. It is based on restoring cardiovascular activity, eliminating vascular and heart failure, and cleansing the body of poison. The victim, if he has not regained consciousness, continues to be brought to his senses.

All victims must be hospitalized, where intensive care continues.

How to avoid poisoning

To avoid becoming a victim of self-medication, you must follow the following recommendations.

Celandine is a wonderful and useful plant! But before you begin treatment with it, you should clearly understand what the dangers are and what to do in case of celandine poisoning. If the symptoms of an overdose are noticed in time, serious complications can be avoided. But it’s better not to let this happen and to use a poisonous plant and drugs based on it - approach it wisely.

Celandine is a well-known dicotyledonous medicinal plant that grows in temperate climates and belongs to the Poppy family. Celandine is widely used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system (including ulcerative defects of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines), endocrine disorders, heart and vascular diseases. Traditional medicine has more than 130 recipes based on celandine, helping to cope with diabetes, gastritis, atherosclerosis and other serious pathologies. In gynecology, products containing celandine are used to combat uterine fibroids and other diseases of the female genital area: endometritis, endometriosis, inflammation of the uterine appendages.

When preparing any folk remedy based on celandine, the concentration and proportions of the main ingredients must be strictly observed, since the plant juice contains a large amount of toxic substances that can cause severe poisoning. When used topically (for example, for the treatment of papillomas and warts), precautions must also be taken: fresh celandine juice can cause skin burns and damage healthy tissue. The consequences of concentrated plant juice getting into the stomach can be very serious, so people using folk remedies based on celandine need to know the symptoms of poisoning and the algorithm of actions when providing first aid.

What is the danger?

Celandine is considered one of the most useful medicinal plants. With its help, many serious diseases are treated, and plant extracts are used in the production of medications for the treatment of pathologies of the digestive system, skin diseases and even cancer. It has been proven that the plant is capable of inhibiting the growth and division of malignant cells, therefore drugs based on it are often included in combined treatment regimens for various types of cancer.

Despite the large number of beneficial properties, this poisonous plant can only be used under the supervision of specialists, since the juice extracted from its leaves contains substances that can cause poisoning and intoxication of the body. Such substances include:

• chelidonine– a very powerful natural local analgesic, which, when ingested, can have a depressing effect on the functioning of nerve receptors and block the transmission of nerve impulses, causing convulsions and muscle paralysis;
• sanguinarine– an anesthetic herbal component, the effect of which is similar to that of narcotic drugs;
• protopin– a substance that has a local irritating effect, and with increased consumption can lead to hypertonicity of various muscle groups.

Important! All these components are natural analgesics and, when used correctly, cannot harm human health. Severe consequences can occur as a result of taking large doses of drugs or celandine-based products, as well as uncontrolled treatment.

Clinical picture of poisoning

Celandine poisoning is one of the most severe types of medicinal poisoning due to the pronounced negative impact on the functioning of the nervous system, therefore, its signs and symptoms must be known and promptly seek medical help in case of accidental ingestion of large doses of plant juice. Celandine contains a large amount of toxic alkaloids, therefore, when poisoned by this plant, the patient develops specific symptoms that make it possible to distinguish it from other lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. These include:

• increased activity of the salivary glands and drooling;
• convulsions and tremors of the extremities (mainly the upper);
• dizziness, loss of consciousness;
• lack of coordination;
• incoherence of speech.

At the same time, general symptoms of poisoning appear. A person’s body temperature rises (usually above 38°), vomiting begins, which is most often profuse and repeated. An increase in stool frequency, a change in its consistency, pale skin, and the appearance of beads of sweat are also typical signs of celandine juice poisoning. Other clinical symptoms include the following changes in the patient’s condition and well-being:

• decreased blood pressure (in hypotensive patients, the pressure can drop to critical levels, so it is necessary to call an ambulance when the first symptoms appear);
• increased heart rate, change in heart rate;
• headache;
• difficulty breathing.

Important! In especially severe cases, the patient may experience fecal incontinence, as well as impaired swallowing function. It is very important not to place a person with these symptoms on their back, as they may choke on their own saliva.

How to help the victim?

If a person has been poisoned by celandine or drugs based on it, but is conscious, before the medical team arrives, you can take emergency measures on your own. The victim must be laid on his left side, clothes that restrict movement and impede the free circulation of blood and fluids must be removed, and oxygen flow into the room must be ensured (open windows and vents, if weather conditions permit).

After this, it is necessary to rinse the stomach. To do this, prepare a cleansing solution and give it to the patient in small sips (1 sip per minute). To prepare the solution, you must use warm boiled water and any of the following:

• potassium permanganate (several crystals per 300-400 ml, so that the water acquires a pale pink tint);
• 2-3 tablespoons of activated carbon, crushed to a powder (per 500 ml of water);
• 2 tablespoons of salt (per 400 ml of water).

After gastric lavage, the patient should be given a laxative. Magnesium sulfate, which is sold in the form of a solution for intravenous infusion and powder for preparing a suspension, is best suited for this purpose. To prepare an oral solution, you need to dilute one sachet of powder according to the instructions in warm water and drink it within 2-3 minutes.

To bind toxic substances and remove them from the circulatory system, it is recommended to take sorbent medications: “Neosmectin”, “Polysorb”, “Filtrum-sti”.

Note! When affected by celandine, gastric lavage must be performed strictly using a gastric tube.

If there is no such equipment at home, or the person does not know how to use it, it is necessary to wait for the doctors to arrive, since incorrect actions can lead to a deterioration in the patient’s well-being.

What to do if a person is unconscious?

If the poisoned person is unconscious, he will require resuscitation measures, which can only be carried out by a person with a medical education. To avoid cardiac arrest, the patient is given artificial respiration and chest compressions, after which the person is connected to the artificial lung ventilation system.

After respiratory function is restored, the patient will be in the intensive care unit. The treatment regimen for celandine poisoning includes the following groups of drugs:

• diuretics (subject to increased fluid intake or administration of liquid solutions);
• drugs to increase blood pressure;
• anticonvulsants;
• means for normalizing heart rhythm and preventing complications from the heart and blood vessels.

During treatment, as well as for 7-10 days after its completion, the patient needs to monitor blood glucose levels, as well as monitor the state of the nervous system.

When are you discharged from the hospital?

In most cases, hospitalization lasts no more than 1-3 days, but if the course is complicated, the patient may be left in the department for up to 10-14 days. This applies to patients with chronic cardiovascular disorders, diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as in cases of large amounts of toxic substances entering the body.

Important! About 30% of patients after poisoning with celandine juice and preparations notice yellowing of the skin, which occurs with cholestatic hepatitis. The disease requires hospitalization and treatment under the supervision of specialists. Death from poisoning occurs in approximately 3-4% of cases.

After discharge from the hospital, the patient must remain in bed for 1-2 weeks, limit physical and intellectual stress, and avoid emotional stress. To restore the organs of the digestive tract, plenty of fluids are prescribed and a gentle diet is prescribed, excluding any foods that can injure inflamed mucous membranes: spices, foods containing acids, coffee, alcoholic beverages, smoked meats and marinades.

Chelidonium majus L. is the only species of the celandine genus (Chelidonium) of the poppy family (Papaveraceae). The Russian names of the plant - “celandine” and “warthog” - are associated with the use of juice to remove warts and some skin lesions. In Russia, it grows as a weed in the middle zone, mainly near housing, in vegetable gardens, along ditches.

This is a perennial herbaceous plant. The stem is 50-100 cm high and erect. The leaves are petiolate, pinnately divided, have ovate lobes, green above, bluish below. The edges are uneven. The flowers are yellow, collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence at the top of the stem and branches. Each flower consists of four petals, about 1 cm long. Celandine blooms from May to August. The fruit is a long pod-like capsule. The seeds are small, black, similar to elaiosomes (oil appendage of seeds), which attracts ants that distribute these seeds. Celandine juice in folk medicine is used to remove warts, dry calluses, papillomas and some other skin formations. Medicines with the same properties are made from the juice. The entire plant is poisonous, especially the roots. The toxicity is due to the milky orange juice, which contains over 20 alkaloids. The roots contain 1.94-4% alkaloids, the stem and leaves contain up to 1.87%. The possibility of poisoning is associated with its widespread use in folk medicine as an external and internal remedy. The meat of animals poisoned by celandine is poisonous. Of the alkaloids, the following are the most active.

Chelidonine belongs to the isoquinoline series and is close in structure to papaverine and morphine. Causes depression of the central nervous system. When applied topically, it reduces the sensitivity of the skin; when it enters the body, it causes arterial hypotension. When consumed in large doses, it can cause collapse.

Homochelidonin is a substance with a convulsive effect, a strong local anesthetic. Causes central nervous system depression and may cause convulsions. When applied topically, it reduces skin sensitivity.

Chelerythrine has a local irritant effect. When removing warts, it can cause a burn on intact skin with the formation of blisters.

Sanguinarine has a short-term narcotic effect with the subsequent development of strychnine-like convulsions, stimulates intestinal motility and salivary secretion. Contact with skin causes irritation followed by anesthesia,

Protopin reduces the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system and stimulates the smooth muscles of the uterus.

Sparteine ​​blocks sympathetic ganglia (hypotensive effect), its effect is similar to the alkaloid coniine isolated from hemlock spotted,

Traces of essential oil, a lot of ascorbic acid (up to 1000 mg%), carotene, flavonoids, saponins, bitterness, organic acids: chelidonic, malic, citric and succinic, and resinous substances were also found in celandine. The grass has bactericidal properties.

Celandine poisoning occurs as a result of improper use of this plant. Inattention can also provoke intoxication.

The plant has been used in medicine for a long time. However, it must be used with caution, observing all necessary dosages.

Benefits and harms

Celandine (warthog, celandine) is a perennial plant. This herb received this name for its excellent effect on the skin. However, celandine has a beneficial effect on the entire body. It contains many useful substances.

Compound:

• Organic acids,
• Various vitamins,
• Essential oils,
• Minerals,
• Flavonoids,
• Alkaloids,
• Ascorbic acid.

The rich composition of the herb allows it to be used for various diseases. What are the benefits of warthog? Where is it used?

Application:

• Products containing celandine are used for diseases of the digestive system (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcers), liver (hepatitis), and kidneys. This plant has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, analgesic effects.
• Warthog is an excellent antibacterial agent and quickly heals various wounds. The ability to kill harmful microorganisms allows the use of medicines containing this herb for skin tuberculosis and diseases of the respiratory system.
• Celandine is often used for viral illnesses; it can be used to treat influenza and other colds.
• It has a spasmodic effect, so it can be used for headaches and stomach pain.
• Chistolot is used for severe cold coughs and promotes quick and easy expectoration.
• The most common use of this plant is to cleanse the skin of various growths, warts, and fungal diseases.
• Celandine can have an antitumor effect, so it is often used in the initial stages of cancer.

This plant can cope with many ailments, but it can also harm the body and even cause severe poisoning. Why is celandine dangerous? When should it not be used for therapy?

Contraindications:

• pregnancy, lactation,
• hypotension (celandine has a lowering effect on blood pressure),
• serious heart disease,
• childhood,
• dysfunction of the nervous system, psychosis,
• epilepsy,
• in undiluted form should not come into contact with clean skin, it can cause burns,
• dysbacteriosis, constipation,
• do not use simultaneously with medications that have a negative effect on the liver,
• intolerance.

The use of celandine should be done with caution. Failure to comply with the dosage may lead to poisoning.

By the way, animals avoid celandine and do not eat it. They are repulsed by its smell and taste.

How can you get poisoned with celandine?

Celandine is used in various forms. The juice of the plant is used to treat skin diseases; various preparations containing it are taken orally. However, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a tincture or an ointment, you need to use them carefully. Why can celandine poisoning occur?

Causes:

• Exceeding the specified dosage,
• Self-medication without consulting a specialist,
• Accident (often happens in children),
• Failure to follow the prescription when preparing the medicine.

Pet owners often use celandine-based preparations to rid their pets of blood-sucking insects. However, you should also know that these products must be used according to the instructions.

The desire to quickly rid the animal of harmful insects sometimes leads to the owner exceeding the required dosage. You need to be especially careful with small animals. Otherwise, your puppy or kitten may be seriously poisoned.

Symptoms and signs of intoxication

The toxic substances contained in celandine cause quite serious poisoning. In this case, certain symptoms characteristic of intoxication arise.

Signs:

• painful sensations in the abdomen,
• nausea, gag reflex,
• loose stools, often involuntary,
• my head is spinning
• pain in the head
• the skin becomes pale and damp,
• problems in the functioning of the cardiac system,
• decrease in pressure,
• fatigue, weakness, apathy,
• breathing problems,
• disturbance of consciousness,
• increased sweating,
• allergic reactions on the skin,
• the appearance of a severe cough,
• convulsions,
• coma.

If a person experiences such symptoms of poisoning, then first aid should be provided to him as quickly as possible. Otherwise, cardiac dysfunction may occur, which can lead to death.

First aid and treatment of poisoning

First of all, you need to call doctors. Then independently provide first aid to the victim in order to remove as many toxic substances as possible from the body.

First aid:

• In case of oral poisoning, gastric lavage is performed; it is advisable to use a tube for this. But if it is not there, then washing is carried out in the usual way.
• Then you can give the victim laxatives to drink, they will help quickly free the stomach and intestines of toxins.
• If celandine juice gets on the skin, wash the area with plenty of warm water.
• A person is given various sorbents to drink, as well as a large amount of clean water.
• If the victim is unconscious, then it is necessary to check his condition. If there is a pulse and breathing, the person is placed on his side. If there are no signs of vital activity, then resuscitation measures must be carried out.

Full treatment of poisoning is carried out in a hospital. The victim is placed in the toxicology department of the institution, where doctors carry out a number of specific actions.

Celandine poisoning - actions:

• If necessary, artificial ventilation and forced diuresis are performed.
• Medicines are prescribed that have restorative effects on the affected systems in case of celandine poisoning.
• Anticonvulsants are used.
• Therapy is carried out until complete recovery.

Despite the fact that celandine is quite toxic, the prognosis for poisoning is mostly favorable. Death is possible with severe intoxication and lack of necessary help, but it is not caused by liver problems, but by disruption of other systems and organs. In the absence of further effects of celandine on the body, the liver recovers quite quickly.

During the rehabilitation period after poisoning, vitamin therapy is prescribed.

Prevention and consequences

Poisoning with celandine can cause quite serious consequences if the necessary help is not provided in time. In the future, there may be an exacerbation of various diseases and disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

To avoid such poisoning, you must adhere to some rules for using this plant and medicines containing it.

Rules:

• Do not exceed the dosage of the drug prescribed by your doctor.
• You should not self-medicate or prescribe medications containing this plant.
• All preparations containing celandine should be stored out of the reach of children.
• The plant must be grown in specially designated areas, to which access to animals and children is limited.

By following these rules, poisoning can be avoided.

Celandine poisoning is quite dangerous to human life. Improper use of this plant can cause negative consequences.

Video: what is the danger of celandine