Parsley the convenient herb!PARSLEY (Petroselinum) Parsley is our best known and most used seasoning herb. The plain leaved, or French parsley is strongly aromatic and hardier than the curled types. To propagate sow seeds in early and late summer; self seeds. in fertile, moisture retaining loam. It likes full sun or partial shade and grows to a height of 30 - 60 cm.It is a rich sourch of iron and vitamin c, and makes an effectrive breath freshener. Raw parsley is useful in the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia as its vitamin C content enhances iron absorption. It stimulates the appetite by increasing stomach activity and secretions, and enhances digestion and absorption, making it an excellent tonic particularly curing convalescence Its relaxing effect in the digestive tract relieves flatulence, colic, and indigestion. As a diuretic, it relieves fluid retention and speeds the elimination of toxins from the system, making it an excellent remedy for arthritis and gout. A decoction of the seeds relaxes the smooth muscle throughout the body and relieves headaches, migraines, asthma, abdominal cramps, irritable bladder, and indigestion. It stimulates the circulation and benefits the nervous system, reducing lethargy and anxiety. Although parsley can be beneficial after childbirth to ensure normal readjustment of the uterus and to increase the flow of breast milk, it has stimulating effect on the muscles of the uterus and so all parts of the plant should be avoided during pregnancy.
Parsley stimulates the kidneys, helping to detoxify the body. Chewing fresh parsley leaves removes the odour of onions and garlic from the breath. At the Home,Herb and Garden Herbal Teapot we sell a lovely herbal infusion which is a mixture of Japanese green tea and parsley. Its very effective for flatulence and indigestion, and is cleansing tea as well. Diana Roughan, HHG(Dip)MH Herbalist |
