Celery

Celery seeds main use is in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout. They are especially useful in rheumatoid arthritis where there is an associated mental depression. Their diuretic action is obviously involved in rheumatic conditions, but they are also used as a urinary antiseptic, largely because of the volatile oil apiol. In gout they combine well with folic acid and plantain.

The seeds and stems of Celery have been used in Australia as an acid neutralizer. It should be cooked with milk and eaten freely to neutralize uric acid and other excess acids in the body, thus aiding in the treatment of rheumatism. Celery is useful for headaches when taken as a tea. It produces perspiration and is useful for nervousness. It has a stimulating effect on the kidneys, producing an increased flow of urine. Celery contains vitamins A, B, and C and has lots of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron. It also contains smaller amounts of sulphur, silicon, and magnesium

Celery (Wild)

Botanical: Apium graveolens (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Umbelliferae

Synonyms

Smallage. Wild Celery.

Parts Used

Ripe seeds, herb and root.

Habitat

Levant, South Europe, and cultivated in Great Britain, etc.

Description

Odour characteristic and agreeable. Taste, aromatic, warm, and slightly pungent.

Constituents

Celery seed contains two oils - one heavy, the other lighter; it also contains apiol, but not so much as is found in parsley.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Carminative stimulant, diuretic, tonic, nervine, useful in hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep, and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence. Good combined with Scutellaria for nervous cases with loss of tone. On this account it is recommended to eat the cultivated fresh root as well as taking the oil or fluid extract. Is said to be very good for rheumatism, when it is often combined with Coca, Damiana, etc. Dose: fluid extract, 3 to 7 drops every four hours