Parsley is an herb, spice and vegetable that’s not only useful when trying to make cuisine taste good. In the world of alternative medicine, the beloved garnish is actually used to treat all sorts of conditions and ailments. If you’re curious as to what parsley can do for you, read on.
You should keep in mind, however, that possible health benefits as suggested by studies are not necessarily going to work miracles in your life. Consulting with a medical professional about your specific circumstances is always the best course of action when trying to improve your ailments.
The Potential Health Benefits of Parsley
Improving Digestion and Related Symptoms
Including parsley into your diet may be able to help treat gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms including indigestion, gas, constipation and fluid retention. The natural pick may be able to help increase urine production and even help improve urinary tract infections and kidney stones. However, in regards to water retention and the state of your kidneys, a balance is needed in order to maintain proper functionality so ingesting too much parsley can also set your system off course. Parsley is also known for stimulating one’s appetite so the lovable herb can be an effective tool when someone’s stomach problems also include a loss of appetite.
Helping Aid the Start of Your Menstrual Flow
If you are having trouble with irregular periods and long spans of not bleeding, eating parsley may be able to help increase your flow and bring about the start of the period you are waiting for. Research has shown these kinds of positive effects on women struggling with irregularities. Since menstrual problems can be affected by a number of conditions, though, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable healthcare professional and receive a full checkup when you’re going through long spans of time without having your period.
Relieving Joint Pain and Inflammation
For some, parsley is a natural pain reliever. Able to decrease inflammation and joint discomfort in certain studies, parsley may be effective as part of a treatment plan for sufferers of various arthritis-related conditions including osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. If you feel like you’ve tried everything yet nothing’s been helping, you might be interested in seeing what parsley can do for you.
Providing Valuable Nutrients
Nutrient-dense parsley offers much-needed vitamins and minerals for your body’s overall health. Loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and iron, parsley also delivers fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin K for an all-around helpmeet. Because the herb is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that protect us on a cellular level from damage, parsley is really like the gift that keeps on giving.
Assisting in Achieving Cardiovascular Health
Like other garden picks, parsley may be able to help lower your blood pressure and help you successfully manage your diabetes. Parsley has been shown to help lower blood sugar and may also be able to help increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is an important part of keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range.
Decreasing the Risk Factors of Various Diseases
Although the relevant studies don’t explain why, research has shown that there may be a correlation between parsley and reduced chances of suffering from a variety of unwanted situations including prostate conditions, liver disorders and spleen issues. Parsley has also been observed as having a use in treating jaundice, asthma and spasms.
Treating Topical Issues
Parsley, often in seed oil form for this instance, can actually be used as a topical treatment to moisturize your skin and may also be able to stimulate hair growth. The garnish may also be able to help relieve the discomfort that can come from insect bites. Some people, however, have a topical sensitivity to the application of parsley or parsley seed oil. If you have any skin reactions to using such a treatment, immediately discontinue your use of the product and visit a doctor if such signs continue to give you a problem.
The Other Facts You Should Keep in Mind
Beware of Fool’s Parsley and Parsley Piert
When shopping for parsley, keep in mind that neither fool’s parsley nor parsley piert is the same herb as parsley itself; these other two options are not safe. While fool’s parsley is known to be poisonous, parsley piert is still under-researched at this point and cannot rightfully be consumed with any degree of confidence.
Stay Away from Parsley When Pregnant
Because of parsley’s impact on menstruation, parsley–at least in excess of regular food amounts–should be avoided while pregnant. The herb can cause a miscarriage and can increase the likelihood of serious birth defects. Even when you are nursing, you may likely want to still stay away from the medicinal use of parsley because the safety of the herb during that stage is largely unknown.
There Can Be Unwanted Side Effects
As is possible with any kind of treatment, some individuals have negative side effects that stem from an increased consumption of parsley. Some people may actually experience complications with sodium retention, anemia, liver issues and kidney problems. If you have a preexisting medical condition including kidney disease or high blood pressure, talk with a doctor before consuming medicinal amounts of parsley.
Parsley Can Negatively Interact with Other Medications
Even though parsley is a natural option, the medication-like substance can interact with actual medications you’re currently taking. Large amounts of parsley, for example, may increase blood clotting and cancel out the effects of medications like warfarin. Since parsley can have a diuretic effect, eating the herb while also taking other diuretics can cause your body to flush out too much water. This can decrease your blood pressure beyond safe levels and cause other side effects like dizziness.
Parsley May Not Work For You
For conclusive scientific proof on all of the possible health benefits of parsley, much more research is needed. Although some studies have shown positive benefits, other studies have revealed a lack of evidence to make correlations. If you have a serious medical problem that needs professional attention, don’t rely on initial research that can only suggest potential uses rather than offer real results.
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