Synonyms: Parsley Fruit
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus species: Petroselinum crispum, Apium petroselinum, Carum petroselinum, Petroselinum sativum
Type: Aromatic biennial
Part Used: Dried ripe fruit
Location: Australia, domestic cultivation, Europe, Asia, India, Japan, Mediterranean region, North America, South Africa, South America
Actions: Antihypertensive, bradycardic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, galactogogue, oxytocic, powerful diuretic, spasmolytic, stimulant
Indications: Amenorrhea, lice (topical), painful menstruation, urinary tract disorders
Preparation & Dosages: 1 g
Contraindications: Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, esophageal reflux, gastronintestinal disease, 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.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Dizziness, jaundice, nausea, vomiting. In higher doses; abortifacient through pelvic congestion. ingestion of larger amounts of essential oil; narcotic state, irritates GI tract and kidneys, liver damage, arrhythmia, polyneuritis, hemoglobinuria, methemoglobinuria, anuria. Phototoxic due to furanocoumarins.
Warning: Parsley seed and oil, in large doses can bring about abortion.
Safety: Petroselinum crispum is GRAS.