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Celery (Apium graveolens)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Common Names: Celery, Wild Celery
  • Parts Used: Seeds, leaves, stalks, roots

Description

Celery is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Europe. It has long, fibrous stalks, aromatic leaves, and small white or greenish flowers arranged in umbels. The seeds, leaves, and roots have been used in both culinary and medicinal applications for centuries.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used by ancient Greeks and Romans for its diuretic and digestive properties.
  • Traditional Chinese medicine employed celery to calm the liver and treat high blood pressure.
  • In Ayurvedic medicine, it was used to address inflammation, digestive issues, and arthritis.
  • The seeds were particularly valued for relieving water retention and promoting joint health.

Constituents

  • Volatile oils (including limonene and selinene)
  • Coumarins (such as apiumoside)
  • Flavonoids
  • Alkaloids
  • Vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium)

Actions

  • Diuretic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Carminative (relieves gas)
  • Antispasmodic
  • Sedative
  • Digestive tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Diuretic and Detoxifying Agent:
Celery seeds and leaves help promote urination and are often used to eliminate excess water and toxins from the body, making them useful for conditions like edema and urinary tract infections.

2. Joint and Arthritis Relief:
Celery’s anti-inflammatory properties, particularly from its seeds, are known to reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it effective for arthritis and gout.

3. Digestive Support:
As a carminative, celery aids in relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion. It also helps improve appetite and digestive efficiency.

4. Blood Pressure Regulation:
Compounds in celery, especially the seeds, help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which can help lower high blood pressure.

5. Nervous System Calmative:
Celery’s sedative properties make it useful for calming the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of crushed celery seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink 1-2 times daily for diuretic or digestive effects.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml of celery seed tincture, 2-3 times daily for inflammation or urinary support.

Juice:

  • Fresh celery juice can be consumed daily (250-500 ml) for general detoxification and blood pressure regulation.

Poultice:

  • Crushed leaves or seeds can be applied externally to swollen or inflamed joints.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy: High doses of celery seed should be avoided as they may stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Kidney Disorders: Celery’s diuretic effects may place extra strain on the kidneys in cases of kidney disease.
  • Photosensitivity: High doses may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions when consuming or handling celery.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Cooling and moistening, celery helps balance pitta and vata but may aggravate kapha in excess.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Celery is considered cooling and is used to calm the liver and clear heat.

Combinations

  • For Joint Pain: Combine with turmeric and ginger.
  • For Digestive Support: Combine with fennel and peppermint.
  • For Blood Pressure Regulation: Combine with hawthorn and garlic.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Celery seeds are collected when the plant reaches maturity, typically in late summer. Leaves and stalks can be harvested throughout the growing season.
  • Drying: Seeds and leaves should be dried in a warm, well-ventilated space.
  • Storage: Store dried seeds and leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Modern Research

Research supports celery’s role in reducing blood pressure, relieving joint inflammation, and acting as a diuretic. Studies are also ongoing to explore its potential for managing metabolic disorders.

Celery’s diverse benefits make it a staple in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, promoting overall health and vitality.