Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Parsley was used in Roman and Greek times as both a
flavoring and garnish. It is used in the Hebrew
celebration of Passover as a symbol of spring and
rebirth. Parsley was used as far back as the times of
Hippocrates as a medicine believed to help rheumatism,
relieve kidney pains, and improve general health
In ancient times, parsley was dedicated to Persephone,
the wife of Hades and goddess of the underworld.
Parsley is slow to germinate. Folk legend explains
this characteristic with the myth that parsley must
first visit Hades seven times before it may freely
germinate and flourish on the earth. It was also
believed that the herb would flourish only in gardens
where a strong woman presides over the household.
Parsley was used as a ceremonial herb in ancient Greek
and Roman cultures. The herb was sprinkled on corpses
to cover the stench, and planted on the graves of loved
ones. Roman gladiators ate parsley before facing foes in
the arena. Victorious Greek athletes were crowned with
parsley. In the Middle Ages this lovely herb was known
as merry parsley and was credited with lethal powers.
It was believed that one could bring certain death to an
adversary by pulling a parsley root from the earth while
calling out the enemy's name.
In folk tradition, parsley has been used to promote
menstruation, facilitate childbirth, and increase female
libido. Its emmenagogic properties can bring on
delayed menstruation. Parsley juice also inhibits the
secretion of histamine; it is useful in treating
hives and
relieving other allergy symptoms. A decoction of
parsley root can help eliminate bloating and reduce
weight by eliminating excess water gain. Parsley has
also been used traditionally as a liver tonic and as a
means of breaking up
kidney stones.
The German Commission E, an advisory panel on herbal
medicines, has approved parsley for use in the
prevention and treatment of kidney stones. The saponin
content of parsley may help relieve coughs. Parsley
root is laxative and its carminative action can relieve
flatulence and
colic. Parsley
is rich in vitamins and minerals, including A and C, as
well as
calcium, thiamin,
riboflavin, niacin, zinc, potassium, and
iron. The
boron and fluorine
in parsley give strength to the bones. Parsley's high
chlorophyll content makes this beneficial herb a natural
as a tasty breath freshener.
The freshly gathered leaves of parsley have been used as
a poultice to relieve breast tenderness in lactating
women. Parsley poultices may also soothe tired,
irritated eyes, and speed the healing of
bruises. The
juice will relieve the itch and sting of insect bites,
and serves well as a mosquito repellent. A
juice-soaked gauze pad can be applied to relieve
earache or
toothache, or used
as a face wash to lighten freckles. The powdered
seeds, sprinkled on the hair and massaged into the scalp
for three days, are a folk remedy said to stimulate hair
growth. Parsley has also been used as a hair rinse in
efforts to eradicate head lice.
One of the main medicinal uses of Parsley is to provide
a toxic kidney with essential nutrients that aid in its
cleansing, so that it might pursue the necessary bodily
function of filtering the blood. Parsley, as a blood
purifier, provides the healthful nutritional material
necessary for tissue maintenance of the urinary
system. Parsley is a healing balm to the urinary tract
making difficult urination, easier. Parsley has been
shown to be a slow and gentle diuretic.
Uses:
Adrenal Gland Weakness, Bedwetting, Bladder Infections,
Blood Builder, Blood Cleanser, Cancer Prevention,
Dropsy, Edema, Gallbladder Problems, Gallstones,
Halitosis, Jaundice, Kidney Problems, kidney Stones,
Nursing Cessation, Pituitary Gland, Prostate Gland,
Urinary Problems, Water Retention
No interactions have been reported between parsley and
standard allopathic medication
Sources:
History/Region of Origin Parsley
www.herbsociety.org.uk/schools/factsheets/parsley.htm
Parsley is the dried leaf of Petroselinum crispum
www.deancoleman.com/herbs.htm
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
 Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
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