Parsley

Jul 6

2 min read

This common garden herb and garnish is more than just for culinary purposes.

Printable for Herbal

Petroselinum crispum

Family: Apiaceae – carrot, parsley

Parts used: leaves, roots (most medicinal)

Actions

Antioxidant

Anti-Inflammatory

Anthelmintic

Demulcent

Diuretic

Carminative

Emmenagogue

Expectorant

Nutritive

Stimulant

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Moistening

Stimulant

Urinary

Digestive

Uses

Cleansing
Full of vitamins and minerals, high iron content, good for anemia.
Boost immune system
Digestive aid; helps regulate bowel movements, bloating, gas, edema, acid reflux, etc.
Adrenal and thyroid tonic
Support for kidney, bladder, liver, and spleen.
Nourishes the nervous system
Eye and skin health
Removes obstructions in the blood, lymph, sweat, urine, and stool.
Help break up kidney and gallstones.
Urinary issues of any kind including bedwetting and frequent urination.
Intestinal worms
Jaundice
Menstrual disorders
Asthma, coughs, and bronchial issues.

Herb Preparations

Food; add liberally to culinary dishes
Chew on leaves to freshen breath.
Juice
Tea
Extract
Powder, capsules, sprinkle

Care/Harvesting

Parsley is a biennial plant, producing abundant foliage the first year and sending up a stalk with umbels that blossom and seed the second year. Harvest leaves from the first year’s growth.

Start seed 12 weeks before the last frost. The seed takes from 4-6 weeks to germinate. Can also be purchased at your local nursery.
Transplant after the last frost in a sunny spot, with well-drained soil.
Prefers rich soil due to the large tap root.
Leaves are very abundant the first year and can be gathered anytime. In the fall cut the entire plant and dry for future use or to crush and make your own parsley flakes for cooking.
Roots should be harvested in the fall of the second year.

Safety

Avoid if pregnant and nursing in medicinal amounts.
Can dry up milk in nursing mothers.