Native to the Mediterranean basin, parsley is now cultivated around the world. Far from being just a decorative herb, it has been valued for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years.
A Plant with Historical Virtues
Historians note that the Romans gave parsley to gladiators before combat, believing it enhanced strength, alertness, and cunning.
Rich in provitamin A, vitamin C, mineral salts, and iron, parsley has long been used as a natural remedy for various conditions—even though today it is more often seen as a simple garnish.
Traditional Benefits and Uses
Parsley has been traditionally recommended to help with:
- Water retention and kidney issues
- Bladder and prostate disorders
- Coughs and asthma
- Digestive discomfort and bloating
- High blood pressure
- Liver congestion
- Muscle spasms and rheumatism
- Menstrual irregularities
Main Actions
- Diuretic: The root supports fluid elimination in cases of edema, dropsy, or liver congestion.
- Circulatory & Detoxifying: Improves blood flow and helps remove toxins.
- Emmenagogue: Stimulates circulation in the pelvic region (due to apiol), supporting menstrual regularity and easing cramps.
- Antiseptic: Cleanses the blood and supports urinary and intestinal health.
- Digestive: Stimulates smooth muscles in the intestines and bladder, aiding natural function.
- Refreshing: Neutralizes strong breath, particularly after garlic consumption.
Preparations and How to Use Parsley
1. In the Kitchen: Parsley can be eaten raw in salads or added to hot dishes. For maximum benefits, try juicing it with other greens like lettuce, cilantro, and arugula.
2. As an Herbal Tea
- Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or roots, or 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds, per cup of boiling water.
- Drink up to 3 cups per day (do not exceed this amount).
3. As a Tincture: Take ½ teaspoon diluted in a glass of water, up to 3 times daily.
4. Medicinal Wine (after Saint Hildegard of Bingen)
- Boil 10–12 sprigs of parsley in 1 liter of white or red wine with 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar, for 10 minutes.
- Add 250 g of honey, strain, and bottle.
- Take 1 tablespoon, 3 times daily.
5. Traditional Remedies
- Parsley juice: 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach in the morning for urinary tract discomfort.
- Infusion: A handful of parsley boiled in 1 liter of water, traditionally used against rheumatic pain.
Precautions
- Use only garden-grown parsley. Wild parsley can be mistaken for hemlock, a poisonous plant.
- Pregnant women should avoid medicinal doses of parsley, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
