Parsley Root is an old-time remedy for digestive disorders, kidney and liver problems, menstrual irregularities, and cleansing the blood and body of toxins. Don’t forget to take Parsley for a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Its chlorophyll content makes it a wonderful breath freshener.
PLANT DESCRIPTION:
Parsley Root is a biennial or perennial herb that originated as a wild plant in the eastern Mediterranean region but is now found in cultivation everywhere. Among the many constituents included in Parsley are important minerals, beta-carotene, essential oils (including eugenol and apiole), flavonoids, coumarins, chlorophyll, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C, E and K. Parsley actually ranks higher than most vegetables in histidine, an amino acid that is said to inhibit tumors. The leaves, roots and seeds cover a wide spectrum of ailments similarly, but Parsley Roots and seeds are more potent than the leaves and are more effective for more severe conditions.
MEDICAL USES:
For more than two thousand years, it has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb to treat gastrointestinal disorders and kidney, liver and bladder ailments.
HISTORY:
Used as a tomb decoration in ancient Greece and Rome, Parsley was thought to possess magical powers and was also associated with the underworld and death. In one legendary Greek myth, King Lycurgus’s son, Opheltes, was left for a short time by his nurse who pointed out the location of a spring to thirsty soldiers. When she returned, the child had been killed by a snake, and Amphiarus, the seer and soldier who viewed the incident, said it was a bad omen and correctly predicted his own death in the upcoming battle. He gave Opheltes the surname Archemorus, meaning “the first to die,” and the child became the symbol of impending death. From his blood the first Parsley plants were said to have sprung.
On the other hand, garlands of Parsley were used as prizes in both Greek and Roman public games. Although the plant remained an important part of the herbalists’ repertoire, it remained associated with magic and the underworld through the Middle Ages as one of the Devil’s favorites and could only be counteracted by sowing the seeds on Good Friday Another medieval belief advocated the sprinkling of Parsley Seeds on a bald head three nights a year to grow hair, but it was also used during that time as a poison antidote.
MEDICAL USES:
Parsley Roots and leaves have been used to regulate blood sugar and are thought to be effective in cases of low blood sugar, if there is adrenal malfunction.
Parsley has a drying effect on the respiratory system, thus improving asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
Used externally, Parsley is thought to make an excellent dry skin facial when used with steam and is also a fine hair rinse. A tea made from Parsley seeds was known to kill scalp vermin.
Parsley is said to improve blood circulation, and it is also a blood purifier, providing the healthful nutritional material necessary for tissue maintenance. It is considered useful in treating cellulite.
The high histidine (an amino acid) content in Parsley has been thought to inhibit the growth and multiplication of tumor cells.
As an emmenagogue, Parsley stimulates the onset of menstruation and helps ease painful menses. Its constituent, apiole. stimulates uterine contractions and has been used in Russia to promote uterine contractions during labor. Consequently, Parsley should not be used in large doses by pregnant women. (After delivery, it is said to tone the uterus.) It is also thought to tone the urinary tract, reducing the possibility of infections.
Parsley is said to be a mild aphrodisiac.
PRECAUTIONS:
Because large doses of Parsley stimulate uterine contractions, it should be avoided by pregnant women. Those suffering from kidney infection should avoid Parsley.
DOSAGES:
For Botanical Powder: Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.
For Botanical Extract: Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.