Parsley
(also referred to as...)
Broad Leaf Parsley, Celery Leaf Parsley, Curled Parsley, Flat Parsley
Latin Name: Petroselinum crispum, P. Crispum neapolitanum
Family: Umbelliferae
Description
The Greeks associated parsley with the dead since it was said to have stemmed from the blood of Archmorus. There are many varieties now cultivated such as the common plain leaf, the curled leaf, the broad leaf, and the celery leaf, to name a few. Parsley is said to be lethal to birds, whereas rabbits and sheep eagerly feed on it.
Petroselinum crispum (Curled parsley) is the most commonly used parsley. It is has finely cut, tightly curled leaves, a strong aroma and flavour, and is a popular garnish. P. Crispum neapolitanum (Flat parsley) has an extra rich flavour and is said to add a "European" character to soups and stews.
Parsley has a gentle, aromatic flavour. Use it with chicken, baked, broiled, or steamed fish, most vegetable dishes, potatoes, all soups, egg, cheese, or poultry casseroles, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, salad dressings, stuffing, sauces, gravy, and butter. Use chopped parsley or whole leaves to "freshen up" any dish and brighten up a party platter.
Parsley, Closeup
Ailments / Situations Where Used The seeds, leaves, and root of this plant are used for urinary tract infections. It is a good antiseptic and helps remove excess fluid in the tissues and in dropsy. Parsley is used for bladder disorders, painful urination and an inflamed prostate gland.
Parsley tea is an emmenagogue and promotes menstrual flow, tones uterine muscles, and rids the body of pre-menstrual water retention from the abdomen, legs, and breast. It was advised by the Greek physician Galen for disorders of the womb and bladder.
Parsley is very useful for digestive weakness, liver disorders, gall bladder inflammation, and to relieve cramping. It is also useful against intestinal worms. The root is most effective at removing stones if they are not too big. It encourages the elimination of uric acid and is useful in treating gout. Parsley stimulates milk flow in nursing mothers.
Overall, parsley is a good source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, silica, manganese, phosphorus, and folic acid, and is a good source of vitamins A, C, E and bioflavonoids. The chlorophyll in parsley helps sweeten the breath and is an antidote to garlic and onions.
Source
Seeds, leaves, and roots.
Preparations
Fresh: Take 3 cups daily. Liberally garnish foods.
Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon herb to 1 cup boiling water and infuse 10 to 15 minutes.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Avoid during pregnancy.
Avoid in kidney diseases.
Ailment / Situation Listing
Parsley, Curled
