It is recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable health professional before using any herbal remedy.

Most of us know that parsley is used freely in food for garnishing dishes. You may not know that it is likely to be more nutritive than the concoctions to which it adds color — and some of us actually enjoy the taste.

The parts used from the parsley plant are the root, leaves and seeds — virtually the whole plant has remarkable actions for the body. It can be used in the whole plant form or made into a tea or a poultice. Parsley grows easily both indoors and outdoors in partial shade and is a fun plant for herb boxes. If some of the plant is left to go to seed, you can have a constant supply.

This common delicate little plant is known as the “urinary tract herb” for its use as a diuretic and the removal of kidney and urinary stones and to alleviate painful urination. It is especially helpful where there is water retention.¹ Throughout Southeastern Mexico, parsley tea is used to treat kidney inflammation, inability to urinate and painful urination, kidney stones and edema.

Parsley is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains more iron than any other green leafy vegetable. It is especially high in vitamins A and B and it contains three times the potency of vitamin C than citrus juices.³

There is even a parsley essential oil. The seed oil is sued in soaps, detergents, colognes, cosmetics and perfumes — especially men’s fragrances. The herb and seed oils are used extensively in many types of food flavorings especially meats, pickles and sauces and in alcoholic and soft drinks. Parsley blends well with rose, orange blossom, tea tree, clary sage and other spice oils.

Here are some tips on using parsley for its wide-ranging health benefits:

As a tea for urinary health: Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of coarsely chopped parsley. Cover and let steep for 40 minutes, then strain and drink. Take 1 cup 4 times daily with a meal.²

For bad breath especially after eating garlic or smoking tobacco: Dip the parsley in a bit of vinegar and chew it slowly before swallowing. Offensive odors should be gone for at least 3-4 hours. Parsley will also act as a natural antibacterial agent to help prevent tooth decay.² Even your dog’s breath will benefit. Simply mix several sprigs of parsley in with your regular dog chow.

To reduce swelling: Where there is swelling, mix equal parts of parsley root tea and glycerine. Saturate cloths and apply to swollen areas. This will bring water through the skin and help relieve the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, drink a 1/2 cup of parsley tea each hour.³

References

1. Hoffman, D. Holistic Herbal, Butler & Tanner Ltd., London, 1996, p. 60.
2. Heinerman, J. Healing Herbs and Spices, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1996, p. 365.
3. Christopher, J.R., School of Natural Healing, 11th printing, Christopher Publications, Utah, 1999, p.268.

Ed. Note: Candace Booth has a natural health practice in Mt. Dora, Florida where she offers consultations in nutrition and overcoming disease symptoms with natural healing remedies. Her new book, How Much Fat Are You Carrying? – The Ultimate Fat Loss Guide For People Who Are Sick of Diets is available by clickiing here.

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