Celery (apium graveolens)
Synopsis of celery
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a crunchy, aromatic vegetable in the Apiaceae (carrot and parsley) family, widely consumed for its hydrating, mineral-rich stalks and valued in herbal medicine for its digestive, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and alkalizing properties. Both the stalks, seeds, and leaves have been used historically in culinary and therapeutic contexts, with celery seed in particular known for its potent phytochemicals and essential oils.
Celery contains:
- Apigenin and luteolin – flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Phthalides (especially 3-n-butylphthalide) – support blood pressure regulation and vascular relaxation
- Potassium and sodium – promote electrolyte balance and hydration
- Fiber and water – support digestion and satiety
- Vitamins A, K, C, and folate
Health benefits and uses:
- Lowers blood pressure and supports heart health by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels
- Acts as a mild diuretic, helping reduce water retention and promote kidney function
- Aids digestion and reduces bloating and gas
- Supports joint health and may reduce uric acid, helpful in gout
- Promotes detoxification and is often included in alkalizing or cleansing protocols
Celery can be consumed:
- Fresh (as stalks or juice)
- Dried or powdered in green drink mixes
- As celery seed in tinctures, capsules, or teas for more concentrated medicinal use
Historical Use:
Celery has a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was used as a nerve tonic, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory remedy. In Ayurvedic medicine, celery seed (known as ajmoda) is used to treat digestive disorders, water retention, and joint pain, especially for balancing vata dosha.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, celery is considered cooling and is used to clear heat, calm the liver, and regulate blood pressure. The seed is often prescribed to treat rheumatism and urinary conditions.
Today, celery is popular not just as a nutritious food, but also in the form of celery juice, which gained attention in natural health circles for its claimed benefits on gut health, inflammation, and chronic illness, though scientific validation is still emerging. Overall, celery remains a versatile food-medicine hybrid, offering gentle yet effective support for hydration, detoxification, and cardiovascular and inflammatory health.
Celery is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
celery is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
