Parsley is Nature’s Top Rated Leafy Green

This garden herb was thought to possess magical properties.  During the middle ages its uses ranged from healing snake bite, banishing freckles, as an aphrodisiac, and as an antidote for epilepsy.  It is believed to have originated in Southern Europe with popularity spreading across the Middle East. There are over 30 varieties. Today we know it as a great source of antioxidant power.  Let’s take a look at some awesome medicinal uses of parsley.

• A tea for women.  Due to it’s high content of folate it helps ensure a healthy pregnancy. High in vegetable calcium, and chlorophyll a daily cup of parsley can help slow the aging process.  It also contains plenty of iron for iron deficiency anemia.  It works as a diuretic, sooths PMS, and benefits the facial complexion because of the beta-carotene content. 
• Immune, cardiovascular, and cancer prevention. Parsley is full of four major antioxidants such as coumarins, flavonoids, monoterpene, and polyacetylene, which appear to block the synthesis of cancer-promoting prostaglandins. Plus, 10, 000 IU per 1/2 Cup of beta-carotene, and daily vitamin C.  
• Eases joint pain, rheumatism, fatigue, kidney and urinary tract infections (UTI). The mineral content of potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and iodine explains these benefits.

Chinese Herbal Medicinal Properties of Parsley

It is thought to be warming, spicy, bitter, and salty in flavor. Dietary benefits are as follows:

• Improves digestion
• Detoxifies meats and fish
• Hastens recovery of measles
• Promotes urination, and dries watery mucoid conditions such as, obesity, bladder mucus, swollen glands, breasts, and stones in bladder, kidney, or gall bladder.
• Strengthens the adrenal glands, optic nerves, and benefits the brain. 
• Useful for ear infections, ear ache, and deafness.
• Freshens the breath for halitosis, strengthens the teeth.
• It makes a beautiful garnish on the plate.

Caution: It dries up milk production, thus it is not to be used for lactating mothers. 

How to Use:

• Drink 2-3 cups daily of fresh or dried parsley tea. Take 10 sprigs, gently bruise, and steep 1-2 minutes in hot water, strain, and enjoy. 
• Or eat 1-2 ounces of fresh or lightly cooked parsley daily.