Parsley: The Versatile Herb with Amazing Health Benefits (2023)

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.

Ancient Times

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.

Parsley In Your Head, Literally

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’s 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.

German Commission

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 a tasty breath freshener.

Learn how to use parsley in your recipes and how it can improve your health!

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 serve 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.

Medical Use

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. Healing balm is also another use for Parsley. The urinary tract makes 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.