20) Parsley Leaves
The uses of Parsley are many - and are by no means restricted to culinary purposes.
This herb promotes good digestion, and nourishes the kidneys, liver and bladder. Parsley is an excellent source of natural chlorophyll, along with a variety of other healthy nutrients. It is a mild aphrodisiac. And Parsley helps hypertension due to its diuretic properties.
Official Latin Name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is also known by the names Rock Selinen and Rock Parsley. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, Parsley is cultivated worldwide.
The fresh herb is a rich source of vitamin C. Parsley is no longer a garnish that sits on your plate - it contains vital nutrients & vitamins that support the body.
Parsley is a rich source of:
- calcium
- iron
- riboflavin
- potassium
- thiamine
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- trace amounts of niacin
The part of the plant used medicinally are the whole plant and the seeds, which has three main areas of usage.
Firstly, it is an effective diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess water.
Second area of use is as an emmenagogue - stimulating the menstrual process. Note: It is advisable not to use parsley in medicinal dosage during pregnancy as there may be excessive stimulation of the womb.
Thirdly, this plant is used as a carminative, easing flatulence and the colic pains that may accompany it.
Historically, the Greeks held Parsley in high esteem, crowning the victors with chaplets of Parsley at the Isthmian games, and making it into wreaths for adorning the tombs of their dead. The herb was never brought to table of old, being held sacred to the dead. It was reputed to have sprung from the blood of a Greek hero, Archemorus, the forerunner of death, and Homer relates that chariot horses were fed with the leaves by warriors.
Parsley was also associated with Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld. Romans wore Parsley garlands during feasts to prevent drunkenness.
Because it takes a long time to germinate, there is a lot of legend surrounding it, such as if Parsley grows successfully by one's home, the woman is the master of the house.
The seeds are traditionally planted on Good Friday. During the Middle Ages it was used as a poison antidote.
The high chlorophyll content facilitates utilization of oxygen. The volatile oil increases circulation to the digestive tract.
In Russia, a preparation containing mostly Parsley juice is given during labor to stimulate uterine contractions.
The primary chemical constituents of Parsley Seed include:
- essential oils (apiole, myristicin, limonene, eugenol)
- coumarins
- glycoside (apiin)
- flavonoids (apigenin)
- chlorophyll
- protein
- beta carotene
- vitamins C and K
- iron
- magnesium
- histadine
- calcium
Traditional topical uses of this herb have included:
- poultice for bruises
- sprains
- insect bites
- ointment rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes
- treat toothache
- hair rinse
- facial steam for dry skin
- tone the urinary tract reducing the possibility of infections
- alleviate painful menstruation
- lowering blood pressure
- improving asthma
- allergies and bronchitis by drying excessive mucous
The common name Parsley includes the species Petroselinum sativum, Petroselinum tuberosum (Hamburg Parsley) and Petroselinum hortense, which are used interchangeably with Petroselinum crispum.
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