Petroselinum crispum
Botanical Nomenclature | Petroselinum crispum |
Common Name | Parsley |
Taxonomy- Family | Umbelliferae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Petroselinum crispum is a biennial, aromatic plant growing from 0,3 to 0,8m, with composite, curly, dark green leaves and small, yellow-green, hermaphrodite flowers. At the top of the tall flowers' stems there are small spores. The flowering lasts from July to August and the fruiting takes place from July to September. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, root |
Active Substances | Starch, carbohydrates, essential oil, apiin, vitamin A, B, C, K, flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, a-carotene, iron, pinene, terpene, apiole, resin and a sticky substance |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has tonic, stimulant, appetizing, analgesic, laxative, diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant properties. The herbal tea is used for the treatment of jaundice, dropsy, cystitis, fever, cough, flu, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, colic, diabetes, fluid retention, osteoarthritis, asthma, various lung diseases and nephrolithiasis. It is applied externally to the skin against bruises, insect bites, wounds, edema and rheumatism. In folk medicine the plant's extract is recommended to regulate blood circulation and blood pressure. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal extract (a half spoon of the dried herb is dipped in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of herbal tea (10-15g of dried herb in 1L of boiled water, 2-3 times the day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of infusion (30-50g in 1L of boiling water, 2 times a day). Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Overdose may cause skin inflammation, sodium and fluid retention. Consumption must be avoided during pregnancy and from patients who suffer from renal diseases or take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as antidepressant therapy. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Petroselinum+crispum 2) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail108.php 3) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-792-parsley.aspx?activeingredientid=792&activeingredientname=parsley 4) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/parsle09.html#dos 5) http://www.agriamanitaria.gr/?gallery=%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%8A%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%8C%CF%82-petroselinum-crispum |