Prevent Water Retention With Parsley Leaf
by editor on Apr.27, 2009, under News
Parsley herb is an annual herb indigenous to the Mediterranean region, but now cultivated worldwide. It has erect stems and bright green leaves. Two cultivars of parsley exist: a curly leaf type and a flat leaf type. Parsley produces an umbel of tiny flowers and characteristic ribbed seeds.
Caution must be used when gathering wild parsley because of the general similarity of its leaves and flowers to 3 common poisonous plants. The first, Aethusa cynapium (dog poison, fool’s parsley, small hemlock) may be distinguished from parsley by the shiny, yellow-green underside of the leaves, which are dull in parsley, and the white flowers, which are yellowish in parsley.
Similarly, collectors should be aware of Conium maculatum also known as poison hemlock, water hemlock, poison parsley, and Cicuta maculata (water hemlock). Poison hemlock is a much larger plant than common parsley. Poisonings have happened when the leaves of Conium were mistaken for parsley and the seeds for anise. Symptoms of Conium and Cicuta poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, paralysis, weak pulse, dilated pupils, convulsions, and death.
There are more than 30 varieties of parley, but the most common are curly-leaf and the more pungent Italian or flat-leaf parsley. The flat-leaf has more flavor than curly parsley and is preferred for cooking, while dried parsley has little flavor at all. In ancient times parsley wreaths were used to ward off drunkenness. Chewing parsley will help with bad breath from food odors such as garlic.
Parsley has been used for centuries to combat digestive ailments and to relieve kidney and liver problems. Parsley Leaf is high in vitamin C and contains calcium and vitamin K as well. Parsley Leaf can act as a mild laxative and diuretic. It has also been used to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, jaundice, water retention, and failure to menstruate.
Parsley is available in bulk powder herb, capsule, tablet, and in tea bag forms for easy consumption. Look to your local or internet health food store for quality name brands like Solaray, Source Naturals, and Natures Plus when making a purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Parsley Leaf is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
