Skin Care
Parsley, abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants, has potent collagen producing and skin lightening properties. The herb helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. It also has the ability to balance oil production and hence, is an excellent remedy for acne.
For an effective acne mask, mix a few sprigs of the herb, 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey in a blender. This helps to soothe and soften the skin.
Detoxification
Few herbs are as cleansing as parsley, which is packed with vitamins and potent flavonoids. It can detox the body from heavy metals as well as other toxins. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is also known to be an effective general cleanser for the body. Also, parsley cilantro juice is widely used as a detoxification drink.
Controls Diabetes
Parsley contains a flavonoid called myricetin, which can lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. A research study conducted showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. [8]Traditionally, it was used as a medicine for diabetes in Turkey.
Boosts Digestion
Including parsley in your diet helps stimulate digestion because of its enzyme and fiber content. Enzymes help in better nutrient absorption and improve the digestion of proteins and fats in the body. The herb also helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and maintain overall health.
Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis
Parsley has also been particularly effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis and reducing arthritic pain. [9] Consuming parsley juice or tea regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.
Anticancer Properties
Apigenin, a flavone in parsley, prevents the progression of cancer and halts tumor growth. According to research published in Oncotarget, apigenin inhibited an enzyme, which caused the multiplication of cancer cells. [10] The herb was found especially helpful in preventing prostate, colorectal, and colon cancer. Both, fresh and dried parsley, have high levels of apigenin.
Also, parsley oil extract contains a compound called myristicin, which is a phenylpropane. A preliminary investigation into the effects of myristicin on laboratory rats revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties as it counteracts free radicals in the body.
Treats Osteoporosis
Parsley, with its high levels of vitamins B-complex, C, and K, and calcium can help boost bone health. It helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain optimal bone health even as we age. The B vitamins also help reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body, which can weaken bones.
Relieves Flatulence
Parsley helps to relieve flatulence and colic, due to its carminative action. The root, the herb, as well as the essential oil, can boost bile production and gastric juices. This gives a much-needed boost to the digestion process and cures gas, constipation, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. The essential oil can also be applied to the stomach area for relief from cramps.
Treats Acid Reflux (GERD)
Parsley has been used as a natural remedy for acid reflux since it settles the stomach and aids in digestion.
Boosts Immunity
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity and treating fever. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, folate, and niacin, each act on different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies have also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.
Improves Brain Health
Apigenin, a potent flavone in parsley, improves neuron formation and enhances brain functions such as memory and learning. This plant compound is being researched for its ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The herbal extract is known to increase cognitive performance as well as improve alertness and memory.
Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties
Parsley has enzymes that are antibacterial and antifungal in nature. It has an inhibitory effect against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause boils, skin infections, cellulitis, and severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis. [15]
Pain Relief
Parsley has high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which heals bruises and reduces pain. For a home-made remedy for bruises, you can crush the fresh leaves, spread it over the afflicted area, and secure the salve with a bandage. Also, lactating women use the herbal leaves as a poultice to reduce breast tenderness.
The herb also helps reduce joint pain, fatigue, and has the ability to soften stiff muscles, because of the presence of a potent antioxidant, quercetin. It is especially good for people suffering from arthritis and joint problems. You can also use parsley juice to cure toothaches and earaches.
Cures Anemia
The high concentration of iron in parsley helps treat anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency. [16] Vitamin C in the herb aids in better absorption of iron. People who have a hard time taking iron supplements are often told to have its juice or tea.
Treats Bad Breath
Chewing a few sprigs of parsley helps fight bad breath or halitosis. The herb’s fresh flavor and high chlorophyll content help freshen the breath temporarily. This is probably why it has been used, since ancient times, as a natural mouth freshener.
Heart Health
Parsley is abundant in flavone antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress, thus boosting cardiovascular health. This herb also contains high levels of vitamin B and folic acid that prevents the thickening of artery walls. Also, potassium in the herb lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent heart diseases and strokes.
Balances Hormones
Parsley helps improve the hormonal balance in women, enhances their libido, and boosts the secretion of the estrogen hormone. Intake of the herb helps treat hormonal disorders like premenstrual syndrome, menopause, or delayed menstruation cycle. Furthermore, parsley tea helps reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Eye Health
Parsley is abundant in vitamin A, and antioxidants like carotenoid as well as beta-carotene, that helps boost eye health. It helps protect the retina from damage and prevents macular degeneration as well as cataracts. The nutrients in the herb also help reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.
Hair Care
The paste made from powdered seeds of parsley has long been used as a natural remedy for hair lice, dandruff, and scalp irritation. It also helps strengthen weak hair, promote healthy hair growth, and stops hair fall. The nutrients in this powerful herb can help increase keratin and collagen production, which protects the hair from free radical damage. Also, a parsley rinse can help retain hair color since it has high levels of copper.