Parsley benefits are vast and include everything from helping people who suffer from anemia to bad breath and even baldness! The parsley herb, also known as Petroselinum crispum, is one of the world's most popular herbs to cook with.
Where Did Parsley Originate?
Parsley first came from the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. For over 2,000 years it was used for medicinal purposes and the ancient Greek culture claimed it was sacred. The Ancient Greeks used parsley to decorate tombs and adorn winners in athletic events. Parsley belongs to the Umbellifeare family and is considered to be one of the world's seven popular disease-fighting herbs. Other herbs in this category include oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, sage, red chili peppers and ginger. Because parsley is easily grown in just about any climate, it is available year-round.
What are Parsley Benefits?
The health benefits of parsley are many. Here a just a few of parsley's health benefits:
- Anemia - Parsley is high in iron so consuming it helps build iron levels.
- Bacterial Benefits - Parsley can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and baldness brought on by bacteria. Some herbalists have had success with parsley by rubbing in onto the head of a bald person to increase hair growth even if bacteria are not present.
- Antioxidant - It can help to increase the antioxidants in the blood steam.
- Blood Vessels - Blood vessels are elasticized by parsley, which can help to prevent or heal bruises.
- Digestive System - Parsley is great for the relief of diarrhea and as a digestive discomfort healing remedy.
- Cholesterol - Along with other medications, parsley can help lower cholesterol.
- Ear Infections - Parsley taken orally in a tea form can help cure ear infections.
- Fatigue - If you're tired all the time, try a cup of parsley tea to get an energetic boost that is natural and free of ingredients your body doesn't need.
- Gallbladder - Because parsley is a natural diuretic, it can help you move or pass gallstones and even dissolve them.
- Hormones - Parsley benefits in women with hormonal problems include improving estrogen levels, restoring blood in the uterus, and reducing premenstrual syndrome, dry skin and depression.
- Immune System - Parsley contains vitamins C and B12, beta-carotene, and fatty acids that can help boost your immune system to ward off colds and flu.
- Bites From Insects - By rubbing parsley on the affected area, itching, pain and swelling are reduced.
- Kidneys - Beyond severe kidney disease or inflammation, parsley can help improve kidney activity and urinary tract activity by decreasing the amount of salt reabsorbed into body tissues.
- Loose Teeth - It can help make loose teeth caused by a vitamin C deficiency stronger.
- Weight Loss - Due to the high diuretic properties of parsley, it is often recommended as a weight loss solution.
Best Way to Use Parsley
Fresh parsley can be consumed in salads, with fish, on sandwiches or in sauces and other food items to reap the health benefits. Some herbalists recommend adding a few flakes to the other natural supplements you take each day. Parsley tea or using parsley in an herbal drink of around two ounces at least two to three times a day is essential to achieve the highest parsley benefits. Dried or fresh parsley can be used to rub on irritated skin or insect bites.
Types of Parsley
There are basically two main or common types of parsley; curly and Italian flat leaf. Both of these types of parsley are related to celery; however, the Italian flat leaf has a less bitter taste and is better used in teas or juices. Another type of parsley called turnip root or Hamburg is grown for its roots. Finally, Chinese parsley is really only cilantro.
How to Choose Parsley
When at the grocery store or whole foods store, choose parsley that is dark green. Parsley that is organically grown will offer the best parsley benefits. Avoid parsley that has wilted or yellow leaves. Dried parsley in a jar is best if organic.
Parsley is used for cooking, healing and prevention of illness so keep this wonderful herb in mind every time you need a home remedy. Parsley benefits continue to be top on the herbal remedy list. Check out SixWise for even more information on parsley benefits!
