Parsley (petroselinum crispum)

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Other names for parsley

Parsley Leaf
Parsley Root
Garden Parsley

Synopsis of parsley

Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as parsley, is a biennial herb in the Apiaceae family, widely used as a culinary garnish and flavoring, but also revered in traditional medicine for its detoxifying, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley leaves, seeds, and roots all have medicinal value. The plant is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, folate, iron, and a variety of flavonoids and volatile oils, especially apiol, myristicin, and eugenol.

Medicinally, parsley is most commonly used as a diuretic, promoting urine flow and reducing water retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney gravel. It supports liver and kidney detoxification, making it a valued herb in spring tonics and cleansing regimens. The volatile oils in parsley also have mild antiseptic and antibacterial effects, which contribute to its traditional use in treating bad breath, digestive upsets, and gastric infections.

Parsley is also noted for supporting menstrual regularity and relieving menstrual cramps, especially the seeds, which contain apiol—a compound with mild uterine stimulant effects. In modern herbalism, parsley is used to support blood purification, anemia recovery (due to its iron and vitamin C synergy), and joint health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

While parsley is generally safe in culinary amounts, medicinal doses—especially of the essential oil or seed extract—should be used cautiously, particularly during pregnancy, due to their stimulating effects on uterine tissue.

Historical Use in Medicine
Parsley has been used for over 2,000 years as both food and medicine. In Ancient Greece, it was considered sacred to Persephone and used to decorate tombs and victors’ wreaths. The Greeks and Romans used it to counteract poisoning, freshen breath, and aid digestion after heavy meals.

In Hippocratic medicine, parsley was recommended for kidney stones, dropsy (edema), and female reproductive disorders. The seeds and root were commonly used in decoctions for urinary health, while the leaves were applied externally as a poultice for insect bites and bruises.

In European folk medicine, parsley was included in diuretic and menstrual teas, and believed to “draw out toxins” through the urine. It was also used to increase lactation, soothe colic, and treat flatulence. During the Middle Ages, parsley gardens were commonly found in monastery apothecaries and household herb gardens.

In Traditional Iranian and Middle Eastern medicine, parsley was used as a digestive tonic and blood cleanser, while in Ayurveda, it’s recognized for its pungent and slightly bitter taste, used to stimulate digestion and appetite, though it is not a major classical herb in that system.

Parsley is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Blood in Urine (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
PMS Type H (Traditional)

parsley is used to support these body systems

Bladder (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)