Family: Umbelliferae
Genus species: Petroselinum crispum, Apium petroselinum, Carum petroselinum, Petroselinum sativum
Type: Annual or biennial herb
Part Used: Roots
Location: eastern Mediterranean, Britain except for northern Scotland
Actions: Antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, bardycardic, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatic, laxative, mild diuretic, nervine, spasmolytic, urinary tonic, uterine stimulant, uterine vasodilator
Indications: Allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitic cough in the elderly, colic, cough, cystitis, dropsy, dyspepsia, dysuria, flatulent indigestion, functional amenorrhea, halitosis, hypertension, indigestion, intestinal griping, jaundice, myalgia, nephritis, painful menstruation, rheumatism, urinary tract infection, Topically: Chapped skin, cracks, grazes, insect bites, itching
Chemicals & Nutrients: beta-Carotene, Calcium, Chlorophyll, Magnesium, Sodium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried Root: dose 2-4 g or by infusion
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25 % alcohol, dose 2-4 ml
Contraindications: Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, edema due to impaired heart or kidney function, esophageal reflux, gastronintestinal disease, kidney disorders, lactation, pregnancy, spastic colitis, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interactions: Parsley may potentiate MAOI's. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Dizziness, jaundice, nausea, vomiting.
Warning: Photosensitive reaction to the furanocoumarins is possible, but unlikely in therapeutic use.
Safety: Petroselinum crispum is GRAS.