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Parsley
(Petroselinum sativum)
Description
Known to many as a natural breath-freshener, parsley can also
be used medicinally to aid in digestive and other bodily activities.
Although some say parsley successfully treats conjunctivitis
and other eye Inflammations, clinical experiments have not
yet verified such properties.
Herbal Uses
Parsley is stated to have
diuretic, emmenagogue (stimulates or restores menstrual function),
antispasmodic (prevents spasms), carminative (relieves flatulence
or gas), and expectorant (promotes mucous secretion or expulsion
from bronchioles) properties. It is effective as a laxative,
hypotensive, uterine tonic, and antimicrobial agent.
Suggested Intakes
Seed, 1-2 g.
Dried root, 2-4 g or by infusion three times daily.
Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol), 2-4 ml three times daily.
Supplemental Uses
Eye Inflammations:
Evidence supporting the use of parsley as treatment for conjunctivitis
and other eye Inflammations have been mainly anecdotal.
Excretory health:
The German Commission E approved parsley herb and root for
the urinary tract and Kidney stones. Parsley increases urine
flow and also can act as a laxative.
Other functions
of parsley:
Stimulates menstrual/uterine
function
Prevents muscle spasms
Aids in digestion
Promotes low blood pressure
Safety and Precautions
Whole parsley appears to
be generally safe for use.
Because parsley contains
above-average amounts of Sodium
, people on a low-salt diet should exercise caution. Some
herbalists think pregnant women should not use parsley because
it stimulates the uterus.
INDICATIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Parsley may interact with
glucose-elevating agents, anorectic drugs, antiarrhythmic
agents (quinidine), alkaloids, antihypertensive, peripheral
adrenergic blocking drugs (tubocurarine and norepinephrine),
and dopamine.
Dosage adjustments of antidiabetic
drugs may be necessary when using diuretics.
Hypokalemia can result from
use with corticosteroids and corticotropin (ACTH).
Use with ethyl alcohol,
barbiturates, or narcotics may lead to orthostatic hypotension.
Avoid use with methotrimeprazine,
a CNS depressant analgesic, and procarbazine antineoplastic
drugs.
References
1. Newall CA, Anderson LA,
and Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care
Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Blumenthal, M. (ED) The Complete German Commission E Monographs
(English translation). American Botanical Council. 1998.
Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol. 2. New York: Dover Publications,
1971. | 
