Chelidonium Majus (Greater Celandine) is a homeopathic remedy prepared from a flowering plant of the poppy family, long associated in materia medica with the liver and gallbladder. Its most quoted keynote is a pain beneath the lower angle of the right shoulder blade — a distinctive referred-pain pattern traditionally linked to hepatic and biliary complaints. This article is a general materia medica overview, not a prescription or a substitute for medical evaluation of liver or gallbladder symptoms.
Understanding Chelidonium Majus
In homeopathic materia medica, Chelidonium is considered chiefly a right-sided remedy affecting the liver, gallbladder, and digestion. The traditional picture includes a dull, dragging or pressing pain in the right upper abdomen, a bitter or coated tongue (often yellow), and digestive sluggishness that improves temporarily after eating something hot. Stools are sometimes described as pale or clay-coloured when biliary flow is sluggish, and there is often a general heaviness and fatigue associated with poor digestion.
How It Fits Into Homeopathic Case-Taking
A homeopath considering Chelidonium for a liver or digestive complaint looks for the specific combination of right-sided abdominal discomfort, the referred pain under the right shoulder blade, a coated tongue, and a pattern of symptoms easing briefly with warm food or drink. Because these symptoms overlap with a range of hepatobiliary conditions that require proper medical diagnosis — including gallstones, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease — Chelidonium is generally considered as a supportive, adjunctive remedy alongside appropriate investigation and medical care, not as a stand-alone response to liver symptoms.
Traditionally Indicated For
- Traditionally indicated for sluggish liver and gallbladder function with a dull, dragging right-upper-abdominal discomfort
- Associated with the classic keynote of pain beneath the lower angle of the right shoulder blade
- Considered for digestive heaviness, bloating, and sluggishness after fatty or heavy meals
- Used for a bitter taste, yellow-coated tongue, and general biliary sluggishness
- Traditionally noted for stools that appear pale or clay-coloured when bile flow is reduced
- Considered supportive for headaches and fatigue that accompany sluggish digestion
Common Potencies
Chelidonium is often used in Mother Tincture (Q) form, diluted in water, for digestive and liver-supportive use, as well as in classical potencies such as 30C and 200C. Whether the mother tincture or a higher potency is appropriate, and for how long, depends on the nature of the complaint, any underlying diagnosis, and the practitioner's full assessment — this is not something to determine from an article. Please consult a qualified homeopath, and ensure any liver or gallbladder symptoms are also properly medically evaluated.
Important Notice: This page is general materia medica information about Chelidonium Majus and is not a prescription or treatment recommendation. Liver and gallbladder symptoms should always be medically evaluated. Homeopathic remedies — especially at higher potencies — should not be self-prescribed or self-dosed. Always consult a qualified, registered homeopath for an individualised case assessment before use.
Key Points at a Glance
Chelidonium is traditionally associated with sluggish liver and gallbladder function and right-sided referred pain under the shoulder blade
Commonly considered for digestive heaviness, a coated tongue, and pale or clay-coloured stools
Often used as a Mother Tincture (Q), alongside 30C and 200C potencies
Liver and gallbladder symptoms should always be properly medically evaluated — this remedy is supportive, not diagnostic or curative
This page is informational materia medica content, not a prescription
Chelidonium Majus Q vs 30 vs 200: Uses and Differences
Chelidonium Majus (greater celandine) is homeopathy's leading liver and gallbladder remedy, with a keynote pain under the right shoulder blade. It is used as a mother tincture (Q) only under guidance, and in 30C and 200C.
Greater celandine extracts have been linked to liver injury, so the mother tincture (Q) must be taken only on a homeopath's advice, for a limited period, and not in pregnancy or existing liver disease without your doctor's agreement. Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe upper abdominal pain or fever need a doctor promptly; liver function tests decide the next step.
| Potency | Generally used for | How it is usually used |
|---|---|---|
| Chelidonium Q (mother tincture) | Traditionally used in liver and gallbladder complaints — sluggish digestion of fats, right-sided pain, bitter taste. | Drops in water, only on a homeopath's advice and for a defined period, with liver function monitored where needed. |
| Chelidonium 30 | Right upper abdominal discomfort extending to the right shoulder blade, nausea, bitter taste, craving hot drinks. | Used over a short period as a homeopath advises. |
| Chelidonium 200 | Recurring liver and gallbladder complaints with a clear Chelidonium picture. | Given infrequently and chosen by a practitioner. |
This is general materia medica information, not a prescription. Potency, dose and how often to repeat it should be set by a qualified homeopath after a full case assessment.
Using homeopathic medicines safely
Keep medicines out of reach of children. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong smells such as camphor, menthol or perfume. Don't exceed the dose or frequency your homeopath advises, and seek advice if symptoms get markedly worse.
Chelidonium Majus: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chelidonium Majus Q used for?▾
Chelidonium mother tincture is traditionally used in liver and gallbladder complaints. Because the plant has been linked to liver injury, it should be taken only on a homeopath's advice, for a limited period, with liver function checked where needed. The right potency and how often to take it depend on your full case, so a qualified homeopath should decide this.
Is Chelidonium good for fatty liver?▾
It is one of the remedies considered for liver complaints with the typical right-sided picture. Fatty liver also needs weight management, activity and avoiding alcohol, and liver enlargement or abnormal liver function should be followed up by your doctor.
What is the difference between Chelidonium Q and Chelidonium 30?▾
Q is the mother tincture, containing measurable plant material, used only under guidance; 30 is a diluted potency chosen when the person's symptoms match the remedy.
When is liver pain an emergency?▾
Severe upper abdominal pain, jaundice with fever, vomiting blood or black stools need urgent medical care.
Dealing with sluggish digestion or right-sided abdominal discomfort?
Dr. Meera Thakur provides individualised, case-based remedy selection at HealthKunj Clinics, Kharadi, Pune — liver and gallbladder symptoms warrant proper investigation alongside any constitutional homeopathic support.
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Dr. Meera Thakur
BHMS · HealthKunj Clinics, Kharadi, Pune· Published 29 Aug 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Thakur, BHMS · Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026
Dr. Meera has 15+ years of experience in individualised homeopathic practice with a special interest in women's hormonal health, skin disorders, and paediatric care.
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