Parsley: more than an aromatic herb

Parsley is an herb. According to WebMD, parsley is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, constipation, jaundice, intestinal gas (flatulence),indigestion, colic, diabetes, cough, asthma, fluid retention (edema), osteoarthritis, “tired blood” (anemia), high blood pressure, prostate conditions, and spleen conditions. It is also used to start menstrual flow, to cause an abortion, as an aphrodisiac, and as a breath freshener. Parsley is usually used as a decorative accent to a meal, but people use it also for the following: (1) Some people apply parsley directly to the skin for cracked or chapped skin, bruises, tumors, insect bites, lice, parasites, and to stimulate hair growth. (2) In foods and beverages, parsley is widely used as a garnish, condiment, food, and flavoring. (3) In manufacturing, parsley seed oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes. (4) Researchers found that a compound in parsley and other plant products, including fruits and nuts, can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing. How does it work?Parsley might help stimulate the appetite, improve digestion, increase urine production, reduce spasms, and increase menstrual flow. Parsley seems to be safe for most adults when used as medicine short-term. In some people, parsley can cause allergic skin reactions. Consuming very large amounts of parsley can cause other side effects like “tired blood” (anemia) and liver or kidney problems. Some precautions for the use of parsley include: (1) Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Parsley in food amounts is fine, but parsley in the larger medicinal amounts is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Parsley has been used to cause an abortion and to start menstrual flow(2) Fluid retention (edema): There is a concern that parsley might cause the body to hold onto sodium (salt), and this increases water retention. (3) High blood pressure: There is a concern that parsley might cause the body to hold onto sodium (salt), and this could make high blood pressure worse. (4) Kidney disease: Don’t take parsley if you have kidney disease. Parsley contains chemicals that can make kidney disease worse. ...

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