Latin name: Petroselinum sativum
Common name(s): Devil’s Oatmeal, Garden Parsley, Parsley, Percely, Persil, Petersilie, Petroselinum
Parsley was used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans to remedy gallstones and kidney stones. They also used the herb to flavor foods and as a garnish just as we do in today’s world of culinary dishes. Nicholas Culpepper a 17th century botanist, herbalist and physician wrote that parsley was the herb of ‘Par Excellance’ because he believed it to be a excellent herb for the treatment of kidney disorders according to ‘The Complete Herbal’ by Nicholas Culpepper.
Fresh Parsley juice can be drunk to heal conjunctivitis and Blepharitis which is an inflammation of the eyelid. Parsley can be used by women during pregnancy but it should be used in low does because it has been shown to induce labor pains. Parsley can be used in the prevention of cancer. It increases the flow of urine and it is a gentle laxative.
Parsley is an anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aperients, calcium solvent, carminative, nervine, parasiticide, stimulant and tonic. The parts of the plant that are used in herbal healing are the leaves, roots and seeds. Parsley is an aromatic bitter herb that reduces inflammation and cleanses toxins from the body.
Parsley works great to lower high blood pressure and it is an excellent tonic for the arteries, blood vessels and capillaries. It can be used in the treatment of venereal diseases and to prevent kidney problems. Parsley works in the healing of insect bites and stings. It also aids in the reducing of fever and coughs according to ‘Using Plants for Healing’ by Nelson Coon.
Parsley is a biennial clump forming plant that has a white taproot. It has triangular pinnate leaves that bright green in color and divided into ovate toothed segments with variable curled margins. In the summer it blooms tiny yellowish-green flowers that are flat topped umbels which are then followed by tiny fruits that are ribbed.
Parsley dries up a mother’s milk so women find it very useful in the weaning of the babies from breast feeding. Parsley stimulates the uterus and digestion too. It works great on relaxing spasms. It can be used in the treatment of anorexia, colic and edema. The leaves are used flavoring foods such as soups, meats, sauces, and stuffing’s and it is used as garnishes too. It happens to be a essential ingredient in the making of Salsa Verde.
Parsley can be used to treat any of the following:
Adrenal gland weakness, allergies, amenorrhea, appetite, anemia, anorexia, arthritis, asthma, bad breath, bedwetting, bladder infections, blood builder, blood cleanser, bronchitis, bruises, cancer prevention, colds, colic, conjunctivitis, coughs, cystitis, digestive disorders, dropsy, dysmenorrheal, dyspepsia, dysuria, edema, eye infections, fevers, gallbladder problems, gallstones, gas, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gout, halitosis, hay fever, indigestion, insect bites, insect stings, jaundice, kidney problems, kidney stones, liver problems, low blood pressure, menstrual complaints and disorders, mucus, nephritis, nerve inflammation, pituitary gland, prostate gland, spleen, thyroid, tumors, urinary problems, venereal disease and water retention.