
Benefits
Detoxification
Celery seeds are rich in the diuretic oils 3-n-Butylpthalide (3nB), which give celery its distinctive smell and taste. These powerful diuretics cleanse the system of excess fluids and stimulate the kidneys, causing the body to flush out uric acid and excess crystals that can cause many problems including gout, arthritis and kidney stones. The compounds found in these seeds enable the renal system to excrete uric acid more effectively as well as being extremely alkalising, helping the body get rid of too much water by increasing urine output. Increasing the frequency and quantity of urine aids in the removal of excess fats, salts, bile, uric acid and urea.
Blood Pressure
The anti-hypertensive ability of Celery Seeds is also due to the miracle compounds 3nB. These compounds appear to offer a multi-pronged attack against high blood pressure by acting as both a diuretic and a vasodilator, as well as working in a manner similar to pharmaceutical drugs known as calcium-channel blockers.
The benefit of 3nB as a natural alternative to treat high blood pressure is the fact that it has a very unusual mechanism of action as a diuretic. Most pharmaceutical diuretics change the ratio of sodium to potassium in the blood and, as a result, dangerous side effects can occur due to either too much potassium or sodium. In contrast, 3nB acts as a diuretic but does not alter the ratio of sodium to potassium in the blood.
Digestive Health
A 2010 study found that ethanol extracts found in Celery Seeds can help to protect the digestive tract by bolstering the gastric mucus that helps line the stomach and prevent the formation of ulcers. This effect may also extend to the colon and small intestines thanks in part to the alkaloids and flavonoids found in these seeds.
Celery Seeds are also thought to be one of the most effective natural stomach bloating remedies, assisting with protein digestion thus making the overall digestive process easier on the digestive system. This coupled with its ability to reduce excess water that the body is holding on to, make Celery Seeds one of nature's best anti-bloating herbs. Other digestive benefits include promoting healthy bowel regularity and reducing gas and flatulence.
Anxiety/Stress
Celery Seeds have calming and sedative properties due to the presence of the phytochemical limonene which acts as a mild tranquiliser. It is known to be very beneficial for treating anxiety, nervousness, mental stress and insomnia.
Menstrual Discomfort/PMS
Celery Seeds can be effective against menstrual discomfort, abnormal menstrual flow and irregular menstrual cycles. They contain the plant chemical apiol, which is beneficial to the endocrine system and helps to alleviate PMS and menstrual disorders. According to recent research, taking Celery Seed Extract for three days from the first day of a menstrual cycle may alleviate the severity of menstrual discomfort and help with PMS.
Folklore and history
From the Latin origin "Celeri" meaning "quick acting", Celery is a renowned herb that was known to the Chinese as early as the 5th century and used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine earlier than that.
The eminent Roman encyclopaedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus mentioned the use of Celery Seeds in his work "De Medicina", where he recorded their use in pills for pain relief.
Celery Seeds were also used as a traditional remedy by the "father of medicine" Hippocrates, and used globally as an effective diuretic and in treating cold, arthritis, flu and digestive disorders.
Traditional use
Harvested from the wild celery plant known as “Smallage” and boasting an enduring history in Ayurvedic Medicine, Celery Seeds have been traditionally used to treat various ailments including; flu, colds, digestive problems and arthritis.
Also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal purposes, Celery Seeds have been known to possess potent diuretic properties since these times.
Typical use
Celery Seeds can be used in stocks, stews and sprinkled over salads. To make Celery Seed Tea use 1 – 2 teaspoons of seeds, cover with hot water and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
Constituents
Celery Seeds contain vitamins A, B, C & E, carbohydrates, protein, iron, potassium, water, fat, fiber, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium with traces of niacin, riboflavin and thiamine.
Phytonutrients include; limonene, coumarin, apigenin, pthalides, linalool, isovalaric acid, alpha-terpineol, luteolin, carvone, apiol and thymol
Precautions
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, persons with low blood pressure, kidney disorders, celery or birch pollen allergies. Please consult with your Healthcare Practitioner if you are taking any medication, especially; blood thinners, blood pressure medication, diuretic medication, thyroid medication or lithium.
Do not take if you have a celery allergy or allergic reaction to any alkaloid present in celery.