Health Benefits of Parsley

Parsley is easy to grow in almost any little corner of your garden or a flower pot - why ever be without it? It is a bi-annual, which means it will grow the first year and die back when the frost arrives. The seeds can be sown as early as February, but then it takes much longer to germinate. Most people wait until April or May to get the largest amount of plant material for late-summer gathering. Planting in July gives you a late fall crop.

Parsley prefers to be planted in moist, humus rich soil and partial shade.

Parsley is an amazing medicinal herb, is delightful to the taste and agreeable to the stomach.  It is a very versatile plant to aid the body in regaining health. The root contains calcium, B-complex vitamins, and iron, all of which nourish the glands that help regulate the uptake of calcium. It is a source of both magnesium and calcium, and especially potassium.

Parsley is high in vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  As a wholesome organic-food it is also a good choice for bone health with vitamin K (536 mg in an average serving).

Traditionally. parsley has been used for congestion and inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, gravel, stones, and urine retention. The root and leaves are excellent for the liver and spleen. It is also one of the best reliefs for edema, helping when other remedies have failed; parsley is a very reliable diuretic remedy often ignored today. Parsley root and seeds contain ingredients that help produce a pain relieving benefit to relax stiff joints. 

Many people use parsley root tea to make stiff and unmanageable fingers work again. Pour a quart of boiling water over a cup of firmly packed fresh parsley and steep for 15 minutes.  Strain and then refrigerate.

Parsley works on the gall bladder and will remove gallstones if used properly by taking a pint of the tea daily.  Parsley is a specific for the adrenal glands, is powerfully therapeutic for the optic nerves, the brain and the sympathetic nervous system.

Parsley juice is an excellent tonic for the blood vessels, particularly the capillaries and arterioles. But remember that raw parsley juice is a most potent juice and should never be taken alone in quantities of more than one or two ounces at a time unless it is mixed into a sufficient quantity of carrot or other juices.  Parsley can help with expelling watery poisons, excess mucus, flatulence (gas), and reducing swollen or enlarged glands.

The usual remedy for kidney, bladder, and edema is to make at least two quarts of a strong parsley tea and drink copiously.  If the urine is suppressed, drink one half to one teacupful, hot, every hour.

It is best to avoid large amounts of parsley if you are pregnant, especially the use of the volatile essential oil.

Gayle Eversole, DHom, PhD, MH, NP, ND, is a natural health educator and advocate. Celebrating 50+ years blending science and the natural healing arts. Visit: http://www.leaflady.org/

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not take the place of a consultation with a qualified health care professional. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care professional before taking any herbs or applying any therapies. The reader must assume full responsibility for verifying any information or therapies with a qualified physician or health care professional.

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