Using Parsley as a Herb

Perselinum hortensia or Perselinum crispum is the name of the parsley plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family.

Actually, we're talking about parsley. We use the plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Italy, Algeria and Tunisia, mainly as a spice. Fewer people are aware of its medicinal properties as a herb, and they are numerous and varied.

Why and how is parsley used as a herb

Parsley for medicinal purposes is widely used because of its rich composition. It contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and other minerals.

There are also many vitamins - A, C, E, K1, some from group B. As a source of amino acids, parsley deserves its place among the leaders.

The benefits of consuming parsley are many. It is a suitable helper in the fight against cancer, works well for diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and as a prevention against osteoporosis. It has a painkilling and anti-inflammatory effect.

In case of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, parsley intake is recommended because it soothes stomach cramps, eliminates bloating and nausea, regulates poor digestion. The vitamins and minerals strengthen immunity.

In weight loss diets, parsley tea is a good option. Magnesium tames hunger and reduces the intake of bad calories, thus protecting the body from accumulating excess unhealthy mass.

Vitamin C and beta carotene, which the herb charges up the body with, remove uric acid and this relieves arthritis pain.

Parsley tea removes excess fluids from the body and helps treat kidney diseases, urinary tract infections and helps expel stones from the gallbladder.

When using parsley for medicinal purposes, it should be borne in mind that it is not suitable for use with blood thinners, as the vitamin K it contains plays a major role in blood clotting.

The herb is dangerous for pregnant women, as it increases blood flow in the buttocks and can lead to miscarriage. In larger quantities, it is also not suitable for breastfeeding. For those suffering from kidney stones, parsley as a herb is not a good choice.

In the absence of contraindications, the herb can also be seen as a vitamin bomb that strengthens the body, has a good effect on the eyes, improves blood supply to the organs and energizes the entire organism.

Find out more about what parsley juice helps with, how to consume parsley during pregnancy and be sure to try our Tabbouleh salad with parsley.