As a medicinal plant, parsley has its own specialization, responding
for the genitourinary system, congestion of the gastrointestinal tract, skin condition. But
even in these areas, the reputation of the popular garden culture is ambiguous:
traditional medicine praises parsley, and official medicine concentrates
preparations based on some parts of the plant are considered unsafe.
Essential oils and parsley are even banned by drug control. AND,
nevertheless, scientists around the world continue to study seed extracts
plants, revealing healing potential in them.
Useful properties of parsley
Composition and calorie content
Fresh parsley contains (in 100 g): .
Calories 36 Kcal
According to the given data, it can be seen that parsley contains approximately
2,5-3 times more vitamin C than lemon
and almost as much ascorbic acid as in black
currants and sweet
red pepper. Moreover, plants grown in the northern regions
much richer (sometimes 4-5 times) in vitamin C than their southern
“relatives”. In addition, vitamins are also present in parsley.
group P, which in biological processes often act in
paired with ascorbic acid.
Depending on the different growing conditions, parsley contains
from 2 mg to 20 mg of carotene (provitamin vitamin A), B1 (thiamine),
B2 (riboflavin), flavonoids, niacin. This greenery is rich
and vitamin K, which is involved in the synthesis of proteins necessary for normal
blood clotting and metabolism in muscle and connective
tissues. To get your daily intake of vitamin K, it is enough to eat
about 10 grams of parsley.
The seeds of the plant have the highest (in comparison with other parts
parsley), the concentration of essential oil is up to 7%. In fresh leaves
it is noticeably less (up to 0,3%), but this is also enough for culinary specialists
there was a reason to attribute parsley to a fragrant spicy seasoning.
The main components of essential oil are antioxidant
properties of myristicin C11Н12О3 (37%) and apiol C12H14O4 (16%), which
also called parsley camphor. It is thanks to apiol that
the effect of contraction of smooth muscles, which causes a number of specific
properties of parsley. However, in oils obtained from the leaf part,
there is very little apiol, so when using green “tops”
much fewer restrictions are introduced than with the use of ether
oils derived from seeds or roots.
Medicinal properties
A thousand years ago, the famous Avicenna in his “Canon of medical
science “argued that with the help of parsley it is possible to stop
cough, relieve breathing problems and tightness in
chest, cure asthma,
liver, spleen, to activate the genitourinary function.
Almost seven centuries later, in the “Cool Helicopter” clinic among
the healing properties of the plant also mentioned the ability of parsley
heal diseases of the liver and bladder, and also demonstrate
diuretic
Effect. But, besides this, recommendations were given in the clinic
on the use of parsley to normalize digestion, improve
vision, healing of gums and wounds on the body, restoration of the kidneys and
slowing down inflammatory processes. And two centuries later (in the XIX
century) from parsley seeds began to produce a drug that
doctors of that time were prescribed for the treatment of malaria,
neuralgia
and getting rid of menstrual pain and menstrual irregularities
cycle.
Most of the listed medicinal properties of the plant today
used in various therapeutic practices. Among the verified
the effect times are as follows:
- Increased tone of smooth muscles. Parsley
increases the muscle tone of the bladder, intestines, uterus
(the latter is not always safe, since the same property gives
the basis for using the plant in amateur abortion procedures). - Diuretic effect. Leaves, roots and seeds
plants activate the ureters, accompanied by an increased
the release of sodium chloride and the excretion of salts from the body.
This property of parsley is used, for example, to relieve puffiness. - Choleretic effect. Bile secretion is caused
and fresh leaves, and concentrates of different parts of the plant. Some
therapists in a decoction of parsley see a means of correcting dyskinesia
– violation of the outflow of bile caused by relaxation of the walls of the bladder
and ducts (hypokinetic type). Choleretic effect of parsley
most pronounced in the first 2-3 hours after taking the herbal
the drug, but manifests itself within 6 hours. - Improving digestive function and appetite. Essential
oils and extracts from different parts of parsley help to revitalize
digestive system (secretion of saliva, gastric juice, enzymes,
increased intestinal motility). In addition, stimulating
the work of the digestive tract is facilitated by the fiber contained in parsley. - Bactericidal effect. Plant essential oil
capable of overwhelming effect on putrefactive bacteria in the intestine
and reduce gassing.
Some publications claim that juice and essential oils
parsley has a beneficial effect on the functionality of the heart muscle.
It is also suggested that fresh juice can normalize work
the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex, as well as – what it is capable of
strengthening effect on the walls of capillary blood vessels.
In medicine
In medicinal products, parsley is considered, first of all,
as a diuretic and antispasmodic. Also in instruments for herbal remedies
and parsley-based dietary supplements manufacturers indicate among the indications
the presence of edema, inflammation of the prostate gland and urinary mucosa
bladder (cystitis),
urolithiasis. Examples include the following
medicines:
- Phytolysin – pasty complex herbal remedy
based on plant extracts, which include and
parsley root extract. A suspension is prepared from the paste, intended
to dissolve urinary calculi. The remedy has a diuretic,
analgesic and antimicrobial action (inhibits the development
gram-positive microflora). Also, the drug exists in the form
capsules with a similar effect. - Uronephron – a preparation intended for dissolution
urinary stones, available in different forms (drops, tablets)
and includes a complex of plant components, including
includes parsley root. It has a diuretic, antispasmodic
and anti-inflammatory action. - Nefrokea – Swiss drug related
to the group of dietary supplements for the prevention of organ inflammation
genitourinary system. Along with extracts of berries and herbs, it contains
parsley leaf powder. - Clean – drops with natural plant
ingredients are designed to correct menstrual irregularities
cycle and reduce the level of pain. Into the complex composition
includes a tincture of curly parsley root.
There are other drugs with similar effects. And although the parsley
is not considered as an independent and main drug
a remedy in the fight against serious illnesses, but to empower
therapeutic practice this plant can certainly. In medical
parsley is introduced into diets 2, 3, 5, 8-11, 15.
In folk medicine
Spasmolytic, bactericidal, urinary and choleretic and others
the effects of parsley described in the previous sections were first
are in demand in traditional medicine of various countries throughout
the world. As a diuretic and laxative, all parts of the plant
used in Indian traditional medicine. Ibid with the help
parsley dissolves and prevents the formation of oxalate stones
in the gall and urinary bladders, normalize menstruation. Healers in Morroco
parsley is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, and in Denmark it is corrected
memory impairment.
In general, the whole range of applications of parsley in alternative therapy can be
reduced to several key areas:
Problems of the genitourinary sphere
In folk medicine, the diuretic effect is easily achieved thanks to
young seedlings of plants that are added to salads. For this
the seeds are planted on cheesecloth in a flat plate, poured with water and,
holding the dishes in a bright, warm place, just wait for the appearance
sprouts.
For more serious problems, they usually resort to making
infusions and decoctions (mainly from seeds and roots). With diseases
urological nature (pyelonephritis, cystitis, prostatitis
and others), medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared with the addition of a large
the amount of water. To relieve swelling caused by malfunction
cardiovascular system, seminal
broths.
Following the ancient healers to enhance the potency of the folk
medicine uses parsley seeds that are mixed either
with sugar and bovine bile (in equal proportions), or with unsalted
butter.
The medicine is recommended to be taken for three days to get the result.
contract. True, at the same time (to consolidate the effect)
healers advise to eat the meat and gonads of a fat cock.
Overgrown with details in folk therapeutic practices and methods
correction of menstrual irregularities. So, in order to
to provoke the onset of menstruation, herbalists advise women to pluck
greens and pull out the parsley root not at any time of the month, but in
new moon, when the crescent moon is above the horizon.
Skin problems
Decoctions of parsley root in folk medicine relieve not only
from cosmetic, but also from medical problems. Lotions impregnated
decoction or juice, apply to lichens, inflammation that appears
after an insect bite, allergic redness. Moreover,
in ancient times, taking decoctions of parsley roots accelerated the transition
into the next stage of smallpox
and bark
– it was believed that the broth will contribute to the appearance of skin rashes
with these diseases.
Gastrointestinal problems
Means cooked from different parts of parsley, traditional medicine
caused choleretic and carminative effects, and antioxidant
the properties of the plant were used to prevent mucosal damage
stomach, by relieving oxidative stress. Parsley was recommended
also to increase the acidity of gastric juice and to normalize
secretion of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract.
In ancient times, people were sure that parsley was able to slow down
the rate of intoxication. To keep a clear mind longer during the feast,
this plant began to be cultivated and diversified with its help
diet. Nowadays, parsley is also sometimes eaten to stay
sober, although more often this spicy greens are now simply effective
freshen breath after alcohol, garlic
or onions.
Decoctions and infusions
When it comes to concentrated parsley infusions and infusions?
supporters of traditional and formal medicine are often irreconcilable.
The first are based on broths and infusions most of the therapeutic
procedures, the latter, as a rule, are categorically against independent
the use of any extracts of parsley, indicating their danger
for health (more about the risks of consuming concentrates – in
section “Contraindications”). Therefore, the recipes below
given primarily as an example, and not for uncontrolled
playback.
- An example of the use of a decoction for urological problems.
In such preparations, a large amount of water is used, because
that it is important here to reduce the concentration of urine and maximize
removal of decay products from the urinary tract. For cooking
means take parsley root (1 pc.), chop it together
with herbs and boil for 30 minutes in a liter of water. Apply
means 100 ml twice a day. If similarly prepared
plant seeds, then their decoction is drunk in a teaspoon twice a day,
drinking 2 glasses of water. - An example of the treatment of prostatitis. Fresh plant root
finely chopped and poured with boiling water at the rate of 1 tbsp.
l of raw materials per 100 ml. water. The remedy is infused for 10-12 hours,
filtered and taken in 1 tbsp. l. four times a day for
half an hour before meals. “Winter” dry parsley root for the same purposes
take at the rate of 4 tsp. per 100 ml. water. The raw material is filled with boiling water
in a thermos and infused for 8-10 hours. Take the medicine like this
the same – 1 tbsp. l. half an hour before meals. The course lasts 2-2,5 months. - An example of correcting menstrual manifestations.
In case of painful and / or untimely menstruation
parsley seeds (4 tsp) are poured with 250 ml of water and a quarter is boiled
hours on very low heat. After cooling and straining
remedy for 1 tbsp. l. taken 5 times a day between doses
food. - An example of the removal of edema of the cardiovascular nature.
Cold infusion is made from parsley root. For this, crushed
roots and leaves (1 tbsp. l.) are filled with warm water (250 ml) and
insist in this form for 8 hours. The infusion is taken three times
per day for 1 tbsp. l. It is important not to forget that with cardiac edema
herbal remedy based on parsley cannot replace medicinal
synthetic drugs and cardiac glycosides. He is being considered
only as part of a complex of adjuvant therapy.
In oriental medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, parsley on the food scale
Yin-Yang (from -3 to +3, respectively) has a rating of +1, that is,
is considered a very balanced product with a minimum value
Jan. It is the products of the -1 / +1 groups that Chinese doctors advise to take
in food as a basis for any obvious imbalance with a predominance of one
from the beginnings.
At the same time, being part of traditional medicines, parsley is used
practically with the same indications as in traditional medicine
other peoples of the world:
- With violations of bile formation, bile excretion and stagnant
phenomena in the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms of pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium,
indigestion, nausea, vomiting. - For diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems with impairment
metabolism. Among these pathologies, prostatitis, menstrual disorders
cycles, loss of the ability to contract the uterus (atony), urolithiasis
disease, decreased urine output. - With edema,
provoked by diseases of the cardiovascular system (cardiac
insufficiency, decompensated heart disease, etc.).
In addition, parsley is prescribed with an excess or lack of vitamins,
obesity,
sugar
diabetes, muscular dystrophy. Externally, parsley is applied when
pediculosis (lice are removed with decoctions and juice), as well as when
skin diseases provoked by tissue malnutrition.
In scientific research
Today, the potential of parsley is being tested by researchers around the world.
Moreover, this plant often becomes an object of research,
precisely because of its centuries-old reputation in traditional medicine.
- A diet that includes parsley has been shown to be effective in
elimination of gastric damage caused by oxidative stress..
Since parsley is rich in antioxidants (flavanoids, carotenoids
and ascorbic acid) it was tested for its ability to prevent
oxidative stress, which plays a major role in pathogenesis
gastric damage. The plant in the diet was compared with
the effectiveness of the antiulcer lansoprazole (LPZ) in the composition of
the same diet, as well as with a diet without any experimental inclusions.
Male laboratory rats (40 animals) were divided into five groups
(with the addition to the three listed also the control group and
a group of animals that did not experience dietary restrictions while
the same level of oxidative stress). To create stressful conditions
animals were starved (within 72 hours) and exposed
cold in an immobilized state (8 hours).
All animals, except for the control group, had
damage to the gastric mucosa, but in animals from groups
“Stress + parsley” and “stress + LPZ” level of markers
oxidative stress and fat peroxidation in the studied
tissues was much lower. Thanks to parsley, the average
the level of glutathione, which in cells exhibits antioxidant
properties, and the enzyme superoxide dismutase, characterized by similar
manifestations.
- Precursors (precursor molecules) have been isolated from parsley and dill seeds,
from which, in turn, substances were synthesized that inhibit
cancer cell growth..
Russian scientists have developed a cheaper (due to the availability
raw materials) a method of obtaining precursors, and found one and a half times more
short (than existed before) way of synthesizing antibiotics
called glaziovianin A. The healing effect of this substance and
several of its structural analogs have been tested for rapidly fissile
cells of embryos of sea urchins and on human cells of crayfish
of various types: colon, prostate and breast,
carcinoma of the lungs, ovaries, melanoma.
The results of the study showed that the most effective (compared
with similar antibiotics) was a substance from the seeds of greens (parsley
and dill), which has shown anti-cancer activity against
melanoma. At the same time, glazovianin is essential for blood cells.
had no effect.
- Methanol extract of parsley showed biological activity
against human melanoma A375..
In another study, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
and the anti-tumor potential of Romanian parsley extract against
melanomas A375 were compared with chamomile and celery extracts. results
showed that although all extracts were rich in polyphenolic
compounds and flavonoids and could generate the ability to absorb
free radicals, only parsley extract had a significant
proapoptotic potential for human melanoma cells
A375. Moreover, unlike other tested substances, the extract
parsley did not suppress the reproduction of dendritic cells, which play an important
role in the regulation of innate and acquired immune responses.
- In experiments on laboratory animals, parsley extract
has been shown to be effective in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus..
In an experiment on diabetic and healthy rats, scientists tested
the effect of two herbal extracts, among which was the extract
parsley. The effect of the extracts was assessed by several parameters at once:
body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, total antioxidant
ability (TAC), the level of malondialdehyde (MDA – marker
oxidation), etc.
As a result, it was found that parsley extract significantly
reduced the average plasma glucose and the level of the marker peroxide
fat oxidation (MDA), and also markedly increased the average
plasma insulin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Parallel
with this, an obvious increase in the weight of the pancreas was recorded
glands and the size of the islets of Langerhans in those groups that
received plant extracts.
Unfortunately, not all studies confirm the effectiveness
the product under study even in the presence of optimistic assumptions.
For example, Brazilian scientists evaluated antibacterial
potential of parsley and rosemary against bacteria that cause
urinary tract infections. They concluded that using
unrefined extracts of leaves and stalks of parsley does not result
to satisfactory results in suppressing the activity of the majority
investigated bacteria. Although for some microorganisms
and a moderate antimicrobial effect was found..
For losing weight
By itself, parsley is a low-calorie food containing the order
30-40 kcal / 100 g. However, in dietetics it is a dependent product.
– you can’t build a mono-diet on it. Therefore, parsley is considered
in weight loss programs, primarily as an auxiliary
a food element that helps a person get the required amount
healthy substances.
So, parsley is part of a slimming cocktail, which
called “Ease of Princesses”: 250 ml of mineral water are mixed
with chopped parsley gruel (20 g), dill
(20 g), cucumber
without peel (1 piece of medium size). The mixture is also often added
juice half a lemon.
It is believed that in the absence of contraindications, such a cocktail
you can drink up to 1 liter per day.
In addition, parsley can also affect weight as a diuretic:
it also removes edema, and helps to reduce the use of cooking
write salt without losing taste. Finally, parsley stimulates digestion.
and metabolism, which, for its part, also contributes to the control
weight.
In cooking
To correctly “read recipes” for dishes with parsley, you must first
figure out what kind of plant the authors of these recipes have
in mind. Typically, parsley is divided into two main subspecies:
- Root parsley – a plant with a thickened
a fleshy root with a fragrant yellowish pulp.
In recipes, it is sometimes called “white root”, and is used
about the same as other vegetable roots. They make of it
stew, sauté, carpaccio, add to salads and soups, stew
and salted, used when cooking fish. Shredded
after sautéing, the root is added to soups and broths. To improve
color and make the broth more fragrant fresh root is often just
halved and baked without oil until a brown crust forms.
In the story of A. Averchenko “The Poem of a Hungry Man”, a method is described
cooking horse parsley as a side dish for fried fish. There
the root vegetable was simply cut into pieces and fried for a short time in
deep fried. Such a side dish is suitable not only for fish, but also for chicken or
veal.
- Leaf parsley – a plant with developed
“Tops” and tough thin “roots”. Its subspecies is parsley
Neapolitan – it is distinguished by very fragrant greens, and the leaves
subspecies of curly parsley, although less aromatic, look spectacular
in a dish as decoration. Plant greens are often added to cottage cheese,
omelet, in butter sandwich, pancakes, pies, meat
cutlets, minced meat for dumplings.
In dried form, it is easy to replace pepper, salt with parsley
and other spices. In order not to forget about the alternative in everyday
the reception, write, finely grind the dried parsley and add
in the pepper shaker. True, when dried, a specific spicy smell
partially erodes.
Salted greens are more often used in the absence of fresh
shoots, adding it to stews, broths and minced meat. but
due to the fact that vitamins are destroyed when they go into brine, this
is considered a less useful way to use the product. Although
for smell, parsley umbrellas are readily added to homemade marinades
and pickles.
In some national dishes, parsley can become one
of the key components. In the Middle East, they make tabouleh salad
which contains, in addition to parsley, bulgur, tomatoes,
onions (garlic), mint,
seasoned with olive
oil and lemon juice. In French sauce, persilad finely
chopped parsley is also mixed with garlic and olive oil,
and in Italian gremolate, the greens of the plant are combined with garlic
and lemon juice or zest. In this combination, parsley neutralizes
the smell of garlic, and the citrus component retains the spicy smell.
Parsley seeds are almost never used in cooking, because
high content of essential oils gives a strong bitterness to the finished
dish.
In cosmetology
In cosmetologists, infusions and decoctions of parsley roots (sometimes mixed
with lemon juice, sometimes in pure form) are known as one of
the most popular face whitening products – removing freckles,
age spots, traces of sunburn.
Another area where parsley decoction is considered especially effective,
– elimination of the consequences of insect bites (mosquitoes, wasps, bees and
etc.). For these purposes, green gruel is also often used.
or parsley juice applied to the affected area of the skin
in the form of a compress that eliminates itching,
pain, redness, swelling. But since cockerel extracts
themselves can cause allergic
inflammation, a test application should be made before use
broth on a small area of skin (for example, behind the ear).
In home cosmetology using a mask made from ground into gruel
parsley greens solve the problem of fine wrinkles (especially around
eyes), as well as acne. There is a legend that such a rejuvenating
and the refreshing mask was loved by Thais Athenskaya – a heterosexual and the second
wife of the ruler of Egypt Ptolemy I, previously famous for her relationship
with Alexander the Great.
Today, less often, and in the old days – often different parts of parsley were used
to increase the strength of the hair. Back in 1788 in the publication “Economic
shop “the recipe of the then famous agronomist was published
A. Bolotov, who recommended that “the hair from the head should not
climbed “grind parsley seeds into powder and” powder much “
such a herbal powder hair for several days.
Dangerous properties of parsley and contraindications
Parsley concentrates (extracts, decoctions, infusions, oils) are contraindicated
with inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and acute inflammation of the urinary
bubble. (First of all, we are talking here about essential oil, decoctions
and infusions of seeds and roots). Apiol contained in essential oils
in high uncontrolled concentrations can damage tissue
excretory organs. And an excess of oxalates can cause the growth of stones.
in the gallbladder and kidneys.
Even fresh parsley is not recommended for therapeutic diets No. 1, 1A,
1B in cases of exacerbation of ulcerative
diseases of the stomach and duodenum 12. Eliminate greens from the diet
No. 4 for diarrhea caused by bowel disease. Restrict
on table number 7 in case of exacerbation of renal diseases.
Also, large quantities and concentrated
preparations of different parts of parsley for epilepsy,
violation of salt metabolism, gout,
oxaluria due to the content of purines and oxalic acid in the plant.
Particular attention should be paid to the use of parsley when
pregnancy. The main danger to the bearing fetus is
apiol, which belongs to strong antispasmodics. Concentrated
form, it can provoke uterine contraction and abortion even in food
application.
Often the antispasmodic property of parsley in interrupting unwanted
pregnancy is used deliberately. (As an abortive
parsley has been used since antiquity). However, independent
attempts to provoke a miscarriage can lead to the death of a woman.
In the form of ordinary shoots, parsley does not pose a serious danger.
There is a little apiola in greenery (in the leaves of the plant of essential oils at 10-12
times less than in seeds) and exceed the limits of the permissible amount
quite difficult. However, pregnant women are still advised
do not abuse apiol-containing food and limit the amount
consumption of fresh parsley leaves 10 grams.
In addition to apiol, essential oils contain myristicin (a derivative
elemicin), which is considered a psychoactive substance capable of
affect the clarity of consciousness. Because of him, in 2011, the fruits and the ethereal
oil plants were banned. for use in production
Dietary supplements and were included in the list of plant parts that contain narcotic
substances. The situation with the ban was repeatedly commented on by representatives of
drug control of the Russian Federation, focusing on the fact that parsley
does not apply to drugs and its circulation is not limited.
Finally, another health threat posed by most
garden plants, contamination of parsley leaves is considered
various pathogenic microorganisms and helminths. therefore
greens collected from open ground are recommended as much as possible
wash thoroughly before use. This is especially important because
fresh leaves, before getting on the table, are not always
are heat treated. In this sense, it is much safer
greenhouse plants growing hydroponically in an isolated environment
without the risk of animal feces, drops of acidic
rains and the influence of other negative factors.
We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible dangers of parsley.
in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share
a picture on social networks, with a link to our page:
Before choosing parsley, you should decide on its purpose.
Stems with broad, large leaves are likely to be
to the “Neapolitan” (“Italian”) kind and in the dish will give a complex
rich aroma. In order to feel it at the time of purchase,
sniff the stem at the cut, where the smell is stronger.
The appearance of parsley should be “healthy”, and the leaves should be evenly
intense color: no stains, dust, mold, parasitic organisms,
lethargy, wrinkling, yellowness, stickiness. Cutting points must be without
characteristic dry film and not dry. But also drops of moisture on
leaves (or packaging) should not be either. Since parsley is bought
bunches, then these rules apply to all stems in a bunch.
Fresh stems at home can be stored for up to 5-7 days if wrapped
parsley in a damp cloth or place in the refrigerator in a plastic
bag at a temperature of about 1-2C. Root parsley
also usually stored in the cold, covering them with dry sand.
For a long time, fresh parsley is frozen with salt in oil.
To do this, the greens are finely chopped, poured into molds, which are poured
butter, and put in the freezer. Frozen cubes are taken out as needed
necessary for dressing broths or salads.
The more traditional way to prepare parsley is to dry it. Greens
for this they wash parsley, shake off large drops, loosely bind
in small bundles and hung in well-ventilated dry rooms
in shaded corners. If the weather does not allow these conditions to be met
and the storage areas are too humid, then the parsley is dried in the oven
at a temperature not exceeding 40-50 ° С for better preservation of vitamins
and essential oils. Small root crops for blanks are dried as a whole,
and large ones are cut into 2-4 parts along the fibers. Fold the prepared
in this way the parsley in glass jars, tightly closing them with a lid.
The homeland of parsley is called the Mediterranean region, where in the wild
its form can still be found on stones today. This property is to settle
on the rocks – stuck in the Latin name of the plant “petroselinum”,
which translates as “mountain / rock celery”. The root of the word “stone”
in relation to parsley, it was later adopted in the language of the Germanic tribes,
established itself in German, and then through the Polish language already in the transformed
I got into Russian.
The first mention of parsley dates back to the XNUMXth century BC. e. In legends
Ancient Greece associated with spilled blood the origin of parsley
grandson of Zeus Archaeomorus. Its bright green stems were woven into burial
wreaths, and leaves were sprinkled on corpses to prevent the smell of decay.
There was also a belief that if, plucking a parsley shoot, say
the name of his enemy, then he will not live long.
By the XNUMXth century, a cold-resistant culture had spread throughout
Europe, including the Nordic countries, and crossed the ocean in the XNUMXth century
and got to the American continent. Since parsley seeds
sprout rather slowly (15-20 days after sowing dry
sowing) and, moreover, not always (even first-class seeds
have a germination rate of about 70%), people began to say that
only witches can grow this plant. Such “slowness”
reflected in the saying that before the parsley sprout
will have time to visit the devil seven times and return.
In modern home gardens, parsley is sometimes used
as an insecticide. This plant is planted between the rows and under the grape
vine to breed phylloxera (an insect that lives on the roots and
grape leaves), as well as under various garden trees to protect
from pests. It is believed that the places where parsley grows are leaving
even ants.
Despite the ability to connect parsley to the solution of some
economic problems, the main areas of its use are still
culinary and traditional medicine remain. A whole range of diseases,
associated with the urinary and genital spheres, congestion
in the digestive tract, bile formation, skin diseases due to parsley
amenable to treatment. And the successes of evidence-based medicine in recent years
additionally demonstrate the latent potential of this plant.
