Parsley

Part Used: herb, root, seeds

Energetics: pungent, bitter (herb); sweet, bitter (root)/heating (slightly)/pungent
KV- P+ (in excess)

Tissues: plasma, blood, muscles

Systems: urinary, digestive, female reproductive

Actions: diuretic, lithotriptic, emmenagogue, laxative, carminative, antispasmodic

Indications: dropsy, edema, swollen glands, swollen breasts, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, gall stones, kidney stones, lumbago, sciatica

Precautions: acute inflammation of kidneys or female reproductive system, high Pitta

Preparation: infusion (herb and seeds), decoction (root), juice (herb), powder (250 to 500 mg)

PARSLEY is rich in minerals, vitamins and iron and so is a good herbal nutritional supplement. It is also a good, mildly warming diuretic which can be used in many conditions of chill and weakness where most other diuretics would be contraindicated. It is an effective emmenagogue that promotes menstruation, relieves premenstrual cramping and headaches, and dispels premenstrual water retention from the abdomen, the legs and the breast. It also helps dispel kidney and gall stones. Yet owing to its heating energy, it should be used with care when there is much inflammation or irritation of the kidneys. For such conditions it can be balanced out by combining it with marshmallow. It is good for high Kapha and obstructed vata.

The fresh juice (2 teaspoons) may be taken daily to strengthen the kidneys and the uterus. Parsley is similar in action to, but milder than, juniper berries.