Parsley

Petroselinum crispum
Umbelliferae

 
Habitat: Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide.

Collection: The root is collected in the autumn from two year old plants. the leaves can be used any time during the growing season.

Part Used: The tap root, leaves and seeds.

Constituents: 

• Volatile oil, containing apiole, myristicin, b-phellandrene,
        p-mentha-l,3,8-triene, 4- isopropenyl-l-methylbenzene,
       2-(p-toluyl)propan-2-ol
• Coumarins
• Flavonoids 
• Phthalides
• Vitamins.

Actions: Diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, carminative, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive.
Indications: The fresh herb, so widely used in cookery, is a rich source of vitamin C. Medicinally, Parsley has three main areas of usage. Firstly, it is an effective diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess water and so may be used wherever such an effect is desired. Remember, however, that the cause of the problem must be sought and treated -dont just treat symptoms.

The second area of use is as an emmenagogue stimulating the menstrual process. It is advisable not to use parsley in medicinal dosage during pregnancy as there may be excessive stimulation of the womb. The third use is as a carminative, easing flatulence and the colic pains that may accompany it.

CAUTION: Do not use during pregnancy in medicinal dosage.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves or root and let infuse for 5-l0 minutes in a closed container. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.