Parsley, Petroselinum crispum Often seen solely as a garnish, Parsley is actually one of the most valuable culinary herbs. It is strongly nutritive, offering vitamins, minerals and macro nutrients. And it's healing capabilities span from our smallest blood vessels to our largest organs. The latin name of Parsley, Petroselium, translates to "celery of the rocks." It's tendency to thrive among rocks signifies its affinity for the kidneys-- specifically for breaking up stones. This doctrine of signatures dates back to Ancient Greek materia medica. Centuries later Nicholas Culpeper, one of the founding herbalists of the 17th century, referred to Parsley as the herb "par excellence" for the kidneys and bladder. Modern-day use of Parsley has confirmed this strengthening and stone-breaking action. It draws water into areas that are dehydrated and mineralized, breaking up hardness. In addition to the kidneys, Parsley is used to "remove obstructions to the movement of blood, lymph, sweat, urine stool and menstrual blood," according to Matthew Wood. Hence, by removing obstructions and delivering essential nutrients, Parsley normalizes systems, restoring proper function. Parsley benefits the bladder, kidneys, uterus, gallbladder, liver, adrenals, thyroid, arteries, capillaries, venules, blood, skin and eyes. It is a general strengthening tonic with profound applications in both acute and chronic conditions.
