Etymology
The name was first used by Dioscorides Chelidonium for the celandine. According to Hegi derives its name from the Greek word of the genus chelidon χελιδών (= swallow) from and refers to the fact that the celandine begins to flower when the swallows arrive. Also the specific epithet refers to the foramen heyday of the plant. From Chelidonium developed in the Old High German word scheliwurz.

Historical notes
The celandine were attributed great healing powers in ancient times. In medieval times the name is interpreted as Chelidonium caeli donum = gift from heaven. The celandine was symbolic of a balanced life. An amulet with celandine could calm aggressive people. The alchemists tried to produce gold from the root. Hence the name Gold and herb Goldwurz. According to the doctrine of signatures used to Paracelsus, celandine against jaundice. Hieronymus Bock describes in his book Herbs in detail the diverse applications of the herb Chelidonium in its time (1565). Albrecht Dürer suffered severely from malaria, Milzbeschwerden and liver swelling. He sent his doctor a self-portrait, on which he hinzeigte on the painful area. The doctor prescribed the celandine helped Dürer, who painted a picture of gratitude celandine. This is now in the Albertina in Vienna. In Chinese herbal medicine is also highly regarded celandine

Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sch%C3%B6llkraut

See Also: Sending Flowers, Online Florist

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