COMMON NAME: Parsley Leaves, Roman Celery

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Petroselinum crispum

FAMILY NAME: Apiaceae (Umbrella, Carrot)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Sardinia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Egypt, USA

HISTORY INFORMATION: In Egypt they used Parsley in rebuilding cellular tissue. It was used as a tonic to help children to grow. It contains a chemical which helps the digestion and reduces menstrual pain. They also used it to support the gall bladder especially when the liver had been weakened. Egyptian women used a tea made from the leaves to beautify their skin. They boiled the leaves, let them cool for 30 minutes, and wiped the skin. They used Parsley seed as a tonic for the liver. They boiled water and steeped the seeds for a tea that was drunk in the morning before eating. Parsley in Arabic means coming from Macedonia. Leaves are rich in vitamin C and A plus iron. The Egyptians used the whole plant for stomach aches, cancer pain, worms in the intestine, anemia, paralysis, dry eyes, poisoning, and nervous disorders. Magically used to protect the home.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The seed is much higher in oil than the leaves. The seed oil generally contains apiol which can be a powerful abortive. The leaves carry the traditional parsley scent while the seed oil is different. There is also a root oil. The leaf or herb oil seems to have less apriol than the seed oil, therefore making it safer, but caution must be used in application of any parsley oil.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A herb growing to 3ft with solid stems of triangular, toothed, and curly leaves divided into three segments producing umbrel of green-yellow flowers.

PARTS PROCESSED: Whole above the ground plant.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow or greenish.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Monoterpene. Up to 85% myristicin, apiole (in the crispum variety scant or not at all)

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Anti-epileptic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, depurative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, laxative. mild stimulant, sedative, stomachic, tonic (general, uterine). Used to prevent head lice, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle spasms, hemorrhoids, stimulates circulation, colic, flatulence, indigestion, nervous stomach, intestinal spasm, possible estrogen action, promote labor contractions, stimulate and soothe kidneys. Used to act on nerve centers in head and spine so that it calms, improve digestion, and eliminate excess water from the body.

MENTAL USES: Beliefs around - who you should trust and why - needs to be examined. This oil challenges the person to turn inward for guidance and authority. It ultimately comes down to first you must trust yourself before you can trust others. I trust myself. Others trust me. You can depend on me and I can depend on you.

EMOTIONAL USES: Betrayed, lack of trust, not trusting self or others, paranoia, not safe TO feeling secure within yourself, trusting, recognize and trust the betrayer in yourself.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have betrayed someone or that you were betrayed. Parsley heals issues of trust and victimization. Spiritually it is understood that no betrayal can happen unless their is a disconnect with the spiritual or higher self of the person. The emphasis is not on get even, but to reconnect with the higher self and love the part of yourself that allowed the betrayal in the first place.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath(with professional assistance - can irritant skin fixed oil may be necessary), compress, cooking, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: The herb oil is much less or may not have any apiole, but since it could be present, must be avoided by pregnant women, those with kidney disease, peptic ulcers, and painful periods.