Parsley (kintchay in tagalog)

(Petroselinum sativum) Part used: Root used: Root, leaves, seeds. Properties: Nutritive, diuretic, carminative, expectorant, nervine, tonic. What it affects: Kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver, and gallbladder.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (leaves): Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. 2-3 times daily. Decoction (root and seeds): Simmer 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. 2-3 times daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2 – 1 tsp.) 2-3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 2 oz. 2 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (10-30 grains) several times daily.

Purposes: Internally, parsley tea (especially that made from the seeds, leaves, and also the fresh juice) is used for dropsy, asthma, coughs, and suppressed or difficult menstruation. The root is good for jaundice. It is excellent for difficult urination, stones, and obstructions of the liver and spleen. It helps the function of the thyroid. The leaves have repeatedly been used for bladder infections, especially when taken with equal parts of Echinacea and marshmallow root. However, parsley is a warning herb; so it is best avoided during acute infections and inflammations, especially in the kidneys. It expels worms, relieves gas, and freshens breath.

• A few slices of parsley root, cooked in soup, will strengthen weak or sensitive persons. The fresh juice of the leaves (2 oz. daily in apple juice) is an excellent blood tonic and remedy for simple anemia. It is good for bed-wetting, fluid retention, high blood pressure, indigestion, obesity, and prostate disorders. The root can be prepared as a decoction, in combination with dandelion, chicory, and burdock, making a total of 1 oz. of roots per pint of water simmered for about 1 hour.

• Parsley contains a substances that prevents the spread of cancer cells. In addition, the high chlorophyll content of the leaves makes this herb very useful in treating cancer. The seeds contain apiol, which is considered a safe and efficient emmenagogue, used for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. Combine it with buchu, cramp bark, and black haw for female problems. It is good to drink the fresh juice daily.

 
Externally, parsley juice has been used successfully in treating conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).