Herbs - Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

What Is It?

Celery is a vegetable commonly used in salads and casseroles. It is low in calories and is an ideal snack for those who are weight conscious. Celery seeds have been used in Europe for centuries to help a variety of disorders.

Action

Celery seeds contain many compounds including: volatile oils, apiol, coumarins, flavonoids, and the minerals Iron, phosphorus, Potassium, sodium. Celery seed demonstrates mild diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties.

Celery is also thought to alkalise the blood and help with the elimination of uric acid and other toxic wastes through the kidneys, and is said to be an anti-rheumatic. It may also act as a digestive tonic, urinary antiseptic, hypotensive and a galactologue.

Uses

Celery is useful for the following disorders:

• Arthritis and rheumatoid conditions
• Gout
• Lactation - to increase milk flow
• Skin problems - Acne, Psoriasis etc
• Urinary infections

Other information

• Celery seeds can be sprinkled over vegetables, into soups or crush half a teaspoon and add to a cup of boiling water.
• Celery seed is available as tablets and capsules.

Cautions

• Generally there are no side effects from Celery seeds and allergic reactions are rare.
• The British Herbal Compendium - Volume 1 does not recommend Celery seed during pregnancy, however it can be used during lactation.
• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Celery.