Parsley home remedy treatments can be used safely by most people. That little sprig used as a garnish is both a nutritional powerhouse and an important herbal remedy. It's easy to grow and dry. Make and sip parsley tea or incorporate this useful herb into a variety of remedies.
Properties of Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) has a long and respected history in herbal medicine and folklore. Parsley was cultivated in Mediterranean countries in ancient times. According to Botanical, the ancient Greeks associated parsley with Persephone, goddess of the underworld. The first mention of parsley in European literature is by Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy (naming living things). Parsley appears to have been imported into England and first cultivated by the mid 1500's. In older herbals, parsley is mentioned as a cure-all herb for dozens of illnesses. It was also falsely believed to reverse the effects of poisoning. Today, herbalists attribute only a few characteristics to parsley, but parsley home remedy treatments are still recommended.
Rich Source of Healing Nutrients
Parsley, like many green leafy plants, is surprisingly rich in vitamins and minerals. Parsley contains more vitamin C than many other plants, providing 166 mg per 100 grams. Just to put it into perspective, this is triple the amount of vitamin C, ounce for ounce, as in an orange. Parsley is also a rich source of minerals and trace minerals necessary for healing, growth and development. These include manganese, iron, calcium and potassium.
Diuretic Properties
Parsley is most often recommended for its diuretic properties. A diuretic flushes water from the body. Diuretic medications are often prescribed as a first line of treatment for people with high blood pressure. The action of flushing excess water from the body and through the kidneys and then the urine is also said to flush away kidney stones.
Stomach Treatment
Parsley aids the stomach and stops flatulence and gas. It's also noted as a treatment for stomach upset. Parsley is said to stimulate the appetite, which is how it ended up the ubiquitous garnish it has become on restaurant plates everywhere. Chefs originally included it to stimulate the appetite and whet the desire of diners. Try it during your next restaurant meal and eat the garnish first to see if it really works.
Parsley Home Remedy
Given these properties, it's no wonder that many parsley home remedy treatments have been derived over the years. These include:
- Parsley juice: Fresh parsley juice, or parsley juice mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water, is said to be a wonderful cleaning tonic. Both juices are chock full of vitamin C and should aid the body in healing. It's valuable for arthritis, rheumatism, and water retention, too.
- Parsley for bruises: Another home remedy use of parsley is to treat bruises. Next time you bump into something, crush up parsley leaves and apply to the painful area. It is thought to reduce bruising and swelling.
- Bladder infections and kidney stones: Since parsley acts as a diuretic, it increases urinary output which is thought to wash out bacteria that causes urinary infections and material that collects as kidney stones. Along with cranberry, parsley is often suggested by herbalists for people prone to bladder infections. Drink parsley juice or parsley tea.
- Painful menstruation: Parsley is said to increase uterine contractions. For women with painful menstruation, parley is said to increase contractions to aid menstruation. Drink parsley tea in moderation. It can also reduce water retention associated with premenstrual tension.
Safety
Parsley is safe for most people, but because of its potential to increase uterine contractions it should not be used by pregnant women or women hoping to become pregnant. It is also excreted in breast milk and should not be used by nursing women. As always, before using herbal treatments, please talk to your health care provider to make sure herbal treatments do not conflict with any medications or medical conditions you may have. Use care and caution. Discontinue use immediately if you notice worsening of any symptoms and see your doctor.
