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:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
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