Herb library

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley, a familiar kitchen herb, is traditionally used as a gentle freshening herb and in simple household remedies. It is a mild, cooling plant people have kept on the windowsill for flavor and small remedies for generations.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a culinary breath freshener and to support fresh mouthfeel after meals.
• •Traditionally made into a mild tea or infusion for a long-standing household remedy for minor digestive discomfort and to encourage comfortable digestion.
• •Traditionally used as a poultice or compress on the skin for minor bruises or to calm irritated areas.
• •A long-standing household use is adding fresh parsley to soups and broths to gently brighten flavor and add simple nourishment.

Simple preparations.

• •Parsley tea: steep 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley in 1 cup just-boiled water, cover and steep 8 to 10 minutes, strain and drink up to 2 cups a day, preferably after meals.
• •Parsley compress for bruises: bruise a handful of fresh leaves, wrap in a clean cloth, warm gently and apply to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, repeat 1 to 3 times a day as needed.
• •Parsley mouth rinse: make a strong infusion with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley in 1 cup boiling water, steep 15 minutes, strain, cool, and use as a gentle mouth rinse after meals, do not swallow; discard any leftover rinse after a day.

Cautions.

• !Contains volatile oils and apiol in larger amounts, avoid large concentrated doses and do not use as an internal remedy in high amounts.
• !Not recommended during pregnancy in medicinal amounts, as traditional cautions advise avoiding concentrated use while pregnant.
• !Avoid use if you have known kidney stones involving oxalates or known kidney disease without checking with your doctor.
• !If you take prescription medications or have chronic health issues, check with your doctor before using parsley as a regular herbal remedy.

Often kept beside.