COMMON NAME: Parsley Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Petroselinum crispum, P. c. var. neapolitanum (Italian Parlsey or Flat Leaf Parsley)

FAMILY NAME: Apiaceae (Umbrella, Carrot)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterrean, Africa

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Egypt, France

HISTORY INFORMATION: Parsley was associated with death. It was used to honor the dead and some thought that it was evil. Egyptians used for the circulation and to heal broken capillaries. It was also used as a breath freshener and a diuretic.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are three major types of parsley seed oil each with different constituents. There is sativum, hortense and crispum which is listed here and said to be safer as lower in apiol. Still caution must be used when using any parsley oil product. The crispum variety is the curled leaf.

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: Seed.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Amber yellow - brown.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ether. Up to 80% Apiole (amounts vary), monoterpenes, myristicin, volatile fatty acids.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Appears antimicrobial, antiseptic, antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cicatrizant, depurative, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, laxative, stimulant (at low doses), sedative (at high doses), stomachic, tonic (general, uterine, cerebral). Used to clear infected and gangrenous wounds, bruises, scalp and hair tonic, arthritis, rheumatism, muscles spasm, hemorrhoids, bad breath, colic, flatulence, indigestion, stimulate appetite, chills, nausea, intestinal spasm, possible estrogen-like action, aids labor contractions, calm nervousness, refresh tired overworked mind.

MENTAL USES: I now realize that I can no longer blame others when I feel betrayed. I know that I am the betrayer as I have betrayed myself. I am able to lovingly accept this and reconnect with my higher or spiritual self.

EMOTIONAL USES: Betrayed, violation of trust, victimized, helpless, vengeful, paranoia, afraid to participate in the world TO able to love self completely even the betrayer part of self, able to trust others and especially trust self, centered without higher self or soul.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have made great progress in loving yourself and coming to terms with your shadow or your dark side. Parsley seed brings awareness of the betrayer self and allows this disconnected part of self to intergrate with the spiritual or soul self. It floods the field with forgiveness, compassion, and love for self so that one is able to reconnect with the spiritual self. This is not an oil for beginners. This oil gives you an opportunity to integrate the shadow self with the true self allowing the negative ego to heal.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (with professional assistance), compress, cooking, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic at low levels, but since apiole is present, must be avoided by pregnant women, those with kidney disease, peptic ulcers, and painful periods. At high doses can cause dizziness, intoxication, abortion.