Parsley, Superfood and Healing Herb
This incredible plant definitely deserves to be called a Superfood. It has to be one of the most versatile and nutritious herbs available. As a food its benefits lie mainly in preventative care, and general health-giving properties. But used medicinally, it is a veritable medicine-chest all of its own! It is difficult to draw a line between Parsley's qualities as a food -and its qualities as a medicine, as its health-giving and preventative dietary supplement, will also gently relieve many ills by supporting the whole body-system.
Parsley is often overlooked because it is so common and readily-available. It doesn't cost the Earth, and isn't sourced from some romantic-sounding place in the Himalayas.
But the list of this herb's talents are truly awesome!
As a food Parsley contains high levels of: beta carotene, chlorophyll, vitamin B12 (thus is an essential part of a strict vegetarian or vegan diet where it can be hard to get enough B12) -calcium, folic acid, fluorine, protein (yes, protein!), iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, inositol, and contains more vitamin C than citrus fruits.
Beta carotene (converted by the body to vitamin A) is so important to a strong and healthily-functioning immune system and good resistance to infection.
Chlorophyll -isn't just "green stuff", it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms, while not damaging the delicate balance of gut flora so essential to good health. (a large portion of the immune system operates from the gut!) Chlorophyll from Parsley is rich in oxygen which helps suppress viral attacks, and minimize the effects of environmental pollution.
Parsley is also a source of alpha-linoleic acid (one of the essential fatty acids we need in our diet)
Fluorine (not Fluoride!) is what is required to help prevent tooth decay. This combines well with the natural calcium also present in this herb to help strengthen teeth and bones. Fluorine also protects the body from invasion by infectious agents and viruses.
Parsley contains Folic acid which can protect against heart attacks and strokes, and is an important nutrient for healthy cell-division, thus useful as a cancer-preventing herb, and is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, or anyone planning to become pregnant.
Vitamin C -Parsley contains 166mg per 100g. Weight-for-weight, this is greater than oranges, or any other fruit or vegetable. Not only the vitamin C, but the Flavonoids it contains, act as an anti-oxidant, mopping up free radicals which cause cellular damage.
It has reputed anti-tumour properties as well, as it contains a number of volatile oils including myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Myristicin has been found (in animal studies) to inhibit tumour formation particularly in the lungs, and acts as an antioxidant.
Medicinally Parsley has shown benefits with a long list of ailments: (wait for it....)
Anemia, bad breath, blood vessel rejuvenation, digestion, high cholesterol, ear and sinus infections, swellings and oedema, fatigue, constipation, gallstones, high blood pressure, dry skin, menopause symptoms, gout, night blindness, rheumatism, sluggish liver, loss of stamina and low resistance to infection, weight loss.......
Possible side effects and warnings: Not to be taken in cases of severe kidney infection or inflammation. Parsley tea must strictly be prepared using the fresh or dried parsley leaves and not the essential oils. Using the essential oil can result in overdose. Parsley should never be taken in medicinal dosage by pregnant women as it can cause muscle contraction of the uterus. Too much Parsley tea can result in headaches, severe weight loss, nausea, dizziness and confusion. So a cup every two or three days is the best plan. The same goes for the tincture (unless otherwise advised by good research, and/or a qualified Herbalist)
At normal, sensible dosage there are not generally any side effects.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried Parsley to one cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes, strain and drink. Tincture (1:4) 2-4 ml. up to 3 times a day. Or the dried Parsley can simply be added to soups, stews, gravies, pasta dishes, salad dressings etc.
Parsley is often overlooked because it is so common and readily-available. It doesn't cost the Earth, and isn't sourced from some romantic-sounding place in the Himalayas.
But the list of this herb's talents are truly awesome!
As a food Parsley contains high levels of: beta carotene, chlorophyll, vitamin B12 (thus is an essential part of a strict vegetarian or vegan diet where it can be hard to get enough B12) -calcium, folic acid, fluorine, protein (yes, protein!), iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, inositol, and contains more vitamin C than citrus fruits.
Beta carotene (converted by the body to vitamin A) is so important to a strong and healthily-functioning immune system and good resistance to infection.
Chlorophyll -isn't just "green stuff", it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms, while not damaging the delicate balance of gut flora so essential to good health. (a large portion of the immune system operates from the gut!) Chlorophyll from Parsley is rich in oxygen which helps suppress viral attacks, and minimize the effects of environmental pollution.
Parsley is also a source of alpha-linoleic acid (one of the essential fatty acids we need in our diet)
Fluorine (not Fluoride!) is what is required to help prevent tooth decay. This combines well with the natural calcium also present in this herb to help strengthen teeth and bones. Fluorine also protects the body from invasion by infectious agents and viruses.
Parsley contains Folic acid which can protect against heart attacks and strokes, and is an important nutrient for healthy cell-division, thus useful as a cancer-preventing herb, and is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, or anyone planning to become pregnant.
Vitamin C -Parsley contains 166mg per 100g. Weight-for-weight, this is greater than oranges, or any other fruit or vegetable. Not only the vitamin C, but the Flavonoids it contains, act as an anti-oxidant, mopping up free radicals which cause cellular damage.
It has reputed anti-tumour properties as well, as it contains a number of volatile oils including myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Myristicin has been found (in animal studies) to inhibit tumour formation particularly in the lungs, and acts as an antioxidant.
Medicinally Parsley has shown benefits with a long list of ailments: (wait for it....)
Anemia, bad breath, blood vessel rejuvenation, digestion, high cholesterol, ear and sinus infections, swellings and oedema, fatigue, constipation, gallstones, high blood pressure, dry skin, menopause symptoms, gout, night blindness, rheumatism, sluggish liver, loss of stamina and low resistance to infection, weight loss.......
Possible side effects and warnings: Not to be taken in cases of severe kidney infection or inflammation. Parsley tea must strictly be prepared using the fresh or dried parsley leaves and not the essential oils. Using the essential oil can result in overdose. Parsley should never be taken in medicinal dosage by pregnant women as it can cause muscle contraction of the uterus. Too much Parsley tea can result in headaches, severe weight loss, nausea, dizziness and confusion. So a cup every two or three days is the best plan. The same goes for the tincture (unless otherwise advised by good research, and/or a qualified Herbalist)
At normal, sensible dosage there are not generally any side effects.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried Parsley to one cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes, strain and drink. Tincture (1:4) 2-4 ml. up to 3 times a day. Or the dried Parsley can simply be added to soups, stews, gravies, pasta dishes, salad dressings etc.
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