Medicinal Properties of Parsley

Parsley is probably the most widely used plate garnish when serving a high class plate of food. The medicinal properties of parsley are often lost in the decorative nature. Most restaurants of better quality will use parsley as a decorative aspect to the plate, making it more aesthetic. Truth be told, it’s tossed more frequently than any other food, which in reality it could be the most nutritive and beneficial part of the meal. Traditionally people have eaten it last as it decorates the plate, consuming it as a breath freshener especially with fish dishes. Knowing the medicinal properties of parsley could change the way you eat. 

Once parsley is understood, you’ll never look at it the same again – the support it provides to the body is astronomical. 

The Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research reported a study using 40 rats that were induced with high uric acid levels. High uric acid levels in the body are infamous for creating sharp razor-like crystal formations in the joints, specifically the big toe, causing gout. Elevated uric acid levels are known to cause the development of several oxidative stress diseases. They found, “The results showed that parsley and its flavonol did not cause any significant reduction in the serum uric acid levels in normal rats, but significantly reduced the serum uric acid levels of hyperuricemic rats in a time-dependent manner.”

They found such an amazing effect of the medicinal properties of parsley that the said, “These features of parsley and its flavonols make them as a possible alternative for allopurinol.” Allopurinol is a pharmaceutical medicine used to lower uric acid levels in the body to treat kidney stones and gout. 

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The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 1966 to 2013 with information on parsley. The information brought to light is mind boggling. 

They found successful use of parsley and its medicinal properties, due to phenolic compounds and flavonoids like apigenin, apiin and 6″-Acetylapiin; myristicin essential oil and apiol essential oil; and also coumarins, the active compounds identified in Petroselinum crispumin. The medicinal properties of parsley have been used to treat cases including as a(n)…

Carminative which is using something like a drug to relieve flatulence, commonly known as passing gas.

Gastro tonic, which is a remedy that provides immediate relief from gas cramps, bloating, and stomach upset. It is shown to cause nausea and vomiting to dissappear. 

Diuretic, which is a substance that increases urine output. Diuretics are often used medicinally to lower blood pressure. 

Antiseptic of urinary tract, which means it sterilizes the urine. 

Anti-urolithiasis, which means it’s opposing and hostile to calculi, usually comprised of calcium oxalate and phosphate, found in the kidney, urinary tract, ureters, and bladder. 

Anti-dote, which means it counteracts poisoning.

Anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces inflammation or swelling. 

Antioxidant, which are compounds that eliminate free radicals from the body, compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation can produce free radicals. Oxidation leads to damaged cells.

Treatment of amenorrhea, which is missing more than three menstrual cycles in a row. 

Dysmenorrhea, which is cramps from menstrual pain or contractions of the uterus.

Gastrointestinal disorder, which means something disruption in the function of the intestinal tract including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, perianal infections, diverticular diseases, colitis, colon polyps, and cancers of the tract.

Hypertension, which is high blood pressure. This number is controversial as what some medical doctors consider high blood pressure, other doctors consider normal blood pressure. This is because a normal blood pressure reading  used to be 100 plus your age over 90, but it was reduced and then reduced again to the commonly recommended reading of below 140/90.  Incidentally, these lowered numbers correlated with the introduction of blood pressure lowering medicines. In 2013 the guidelines were moved higher again to 160/90, or roughly 100 plus your age, minus 5, over 90. 

Cardiac disease, which are heart conditions specifically including diseased vessels of the heart, structural problems of the heart, and blood clots.

Urinary disease, which includes urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems.

Otitis, which means there is inflammation present in the inner, middle, or outer ear, often to the point that it creates an ear infection.

Sniffle, which comes from mucous flowing out of the nose in an attempt to lubricate and escort out pathogens and toxins. 

Diabetes, which is a disease consisting of too much sugar or insulin in the bloodstream.

Dermal disease, which is any issue with the skin including red rash, bumps, hives, welts, itching, etc. 

Brain protective, which includes protecting the meninges, and the spinal cord. 

Analgesic, which means it works in the body as an opioid, relieving pain.

Spasmolytic, which means it smooths muscles and suppresses spasms of the muscles which often cause issues such as coughing.

Immunosuppressant, which means it subdues an over active immune system such as one that is leaning toward autoimmunity. 

Anti-platelet, which is used to prevent blood clot formation, thrombosis.

Cytoprotective, which means it protects cells from damaging agents, often by increasing protective mucosal layers. 

Laxative, which means it increases movements of stool.

Estrogenic, which means it promotes proper estrogen function. 

Antibacterial, which means it actively eradicates bacteria and bacterium.

Antifungal activities, which means it prevents or destroys fungi growth.

*Nourishing Plot is written by Becky Plotner, ND, traditional naturopath, CGP, D.PSc. who sees clients in Rossville, Georgia. She is a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor, through The American Naturopathic Medical Association and works as a Certified GAPS Practitioner who sees clients in her office, Skype and phone. She has been published in Wise Traditions, spoken at two Weston A. Price Conferences, Certified GAPS Practitioner Trainings, has been on many radio shows, television shows and writes for Nourishing Plot. She serves on the GAPS Board of Directors and has recently been named “The GAPS Expert” by Dr. Natasha and will serve teaching other Certified GAPS Practitioners proper use of the GAPS protocol. Since her son was delivered from the effects of autism (Asperger’s syndrome), ADHD, bipolar disorder/manic depression, hypoglycemia and dyslexia, through food, she continued her education specializing in Leaky Gut and parasitology through Duke University, finishing with distinction. She is a Chapter Leader for The Weston A. Price Foundation. becky.nourishingplot@hotmail.com

“GAPS™ and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The right of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Patent and Designs Act 1988.