Parsley - benefits and harms for the health of men and women, medicinal properties

Parsley belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is also known as celery, which translates as rock celery or mountain celery. Curly parsley, or leaf parsley, is a biennial plant. Native to the Mediterranean, it grows from 30 to 100 cm in height. Its beneficial, medicinal, and therapeutic properties were known even before the Common Era. Later, contraindications for the use of this plant, which were harmful to health, were discovered. According to various sources, the spice arrived in Russia between the 13th and 18th centuries and has since taken pride of place on our tables.

Chemical composition

Parsley is unmatched in its micronutrient content. It contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, bioflavonoids, ash, niacin, folate, and essential oil. It is rich in dietary fiber. Parsley contains many vitamins: C, A, B1, B2, and PP. It also contains inulin, enzymes, and apigenin, a substance that slows tumor growth.

The curly parsley plant blooms in June and July. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow. The seeds and shoots of this spice are used to treat ailments. Parsley seeds are rich in beneficial properties, as they contain the highest concentration of essential oils. Parsley seeds are also known for their medicinal properties. The plant has a taproot. Since the time of Avicenna, it, along with the seeds and shoots, has been used for food and medicinal purposes. Avicenna described the healing properties of this herb, saying that the plant helps with coughs and asthma, and is beneficial for the liver and spleen.

Parsley: beneficial properties and contraindications

Doctors recommend eating no more than 100 grams of parsley per day. The plant contains merysticin, high levels of which cause seizures, headaches, hallucinations, and weight loss.

Overuse of this spice can lead to kidney and liver problems. Parsley is not only beneficial, but also clearly harmful to human health. It can raise blood pressure, increase blood sugar in diabetics, and increase pain in cystitis.

For men

Curly parsley has aphrodisiac properties. It increases potency in men and improves testosterone production. It suppresses female hormones and normalizes libido. It helps relieve prostate inflammation and treats urinary tract infections.

Benefits of parsley for men Undoubtedly. The juice prevents prostate adenoma and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the genitourinary system. The root is used to treat prostatitis and urolithiasis.

How is it useful for women?

Parsley's benefits for women are invaluable. It's recommended to combine the plant's juice with beetroot juice. This can relieve menstrual pain and reduce bleeding. The plant's juice helps with sleep disorders, treats neuroses, and alleviates various mental illnesses.

Cosmetologists recommend women use this miracle herb on their faces to improve their complexion and smooth out fine wrinkles. This spice also normalizes metabolic processes in the skin.

During pregnancy

For expectant mothers The spice is beneficial due to the vitamins and microelements it contains. They fill the body with antioxidants and strengthen the immune system. The calcium and phosphorus contained in the plant develop the baby's musculoskeletal system and protect pregnant women from dental damage. Iron protects against anemia and replenishes cells with hemoglobin.

The benefits and harms of this herb for women include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Curly grass improves digestion and helps combat these issues. Thanks to its diuretic properties, the plant helps combat cardiac and renal edema. However, it's not recommended to overuse this herb during pregnancy. Frequent use can be harmful.

The benefits and harms of juice for human health

The juice is a true elixir of health and youth. It's one of the most potent. Infusions and decoctions are considered the most beneficial. For better absorption, the plant's juice is mixed with other beneficial juices. It has properties that saturate the body with oxygen, as well as the adrenal and thyroid glands. When diluted with carrot juice, it makes a delicious drink that improves vision.

By drinking this elixir, you'll forget about swelling, inflammation, and pathogenic microbes. Regular consumption will help dissolve kidney stones and eliminate kidney stones. It's also beneficial for the digestive system, helping improve intestinal motility. The juice is recommended for stomach upset, appetite problems, and gastritis with low acidity. It helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. In children, it improves cognitive function and relieves hyperactivity.

The juice of the greens is quite concentrated. Therefore, before starting a course of treatment, you should check for any allergies to it. It can be both beneficial and harmful to the body. You should avoid drinking the drink if you have kidney inflammation, as it has a strong diuretic effect. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can result in premature labor or miscarriage.

How to choose fresh herbs when shopping, and which ones are best to avoid

Fresh herbs are one of the main fighters against spring vitamin deficiency. Curly parsley is a prebiotic that promotes beneficial microflora in the body. When purchasing herbs at stores and markets, pay attention to their color. It should be uniform and green. The richer the color, the fresher the plant.

If parsley has been sitting for several days and has begun to wilt, there's no point in buying it. This means the foliage has lost moisture, along with the beneficial properties, and it's harmful to the body. Good parsley smells fragrant and has a juicy, firm stem. Pay attention to the leaves. The smaller the leaves, the younger the parsley. It's best to store fresh parsley in water, trimming the stems.

How to grow parsley

There are three varieties of parsley: root parsley, leaf parsley, and parsley with crowns and roots. Beginning gardeners are interested in learning how to prepare the soil for planting and what to prepare for proper plant care. Growing parsley isn't easy for everyone. For some reason, the greens grow with small leaves.

Root parsley is planted for its roots. It's easy to grow, and the roots survive the winter well. In the fall, we cut the leaves for the last time, leaving the roots in the ground. In early spring, we begin watering and tending the bed with last year's roots. The first greenery appears soon after. Thanks to the nutrients stored in the roots, the plant produces its first leaves before the others. Then the flower stalk emerges, and seeds appear. It can be planted under an apple tree. It's a shade-tolerant crop. It thrives there and grows luxuriantly. If your garden soil is sandy, fertilize it with herbal compost.

Unlike root parsley, 'Italian Giant' parsley produces lush greenery. Its large leaves are often mistaken for parsnips. Its root is small, and it grows only for one season. Another variety, 'Gloria,' is somewhere between root and leaf parsley. Its roots, like those of root parsley, can overwinter. 'Bogatyr' parsley produces verticils and rootlets. 'Petra' parsley, on the other hand, is curly. Its leaves are not simple, but corrugated. It retains its shape for quite a long time. It is perfect for garnishing dishes and looks beautiful in flower beds.

How to preserve aromatic herbs as long as possible

It's believed that keeping herbs cold helps keep them fresh for a long time. However, for this to work, it's important to follow a few guidelines. Washing herbs before storing is not recommended. Uncooked herbs spoil quickly and lose their beneficial properties. Rinse immediately before serving.

A good place to store them is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Before storing the bunches, however, clean them thoroughly. Remove any yellowed leaves and carefully fold them together, one branch at a time. If you do wash the plant, wrap it in a paper towel and refrigerate it. Keep the greens damp, but not dripping wet. Otherwise, the paper will unravel.

If desired, fresh parsley can be frozen. Frozen parsley will retain its flavor much longer. Before freezing, rinse it under running water and dry it with a towel. Then wrap the parsley in cling film or place it in plastic bags. Be sure to prevent air from getting inside the bag. Chop the herbs for first courses beforehand.

Recipes with parsley

The green leaves and roots of the plant are used for cooking. Young greens are best. The older the plant, the tougher the leaves become, losing their juiciness.

Parsley is added to soups, side dishes, and salads to impart a refined aroma. Thanks to its flavor and aroma, the herb holds a prominent place in cuisines around the world. In Italy, virtually no dish is complete without this spice. When stored properly, it stays fresh for a long time and retains its properties even when cooked.

Parsnip and parsley root fries

Parsnips are a carrot-like root vegetable with a sweet, nutty flavor. When cooked, they're very similar in texture to potatoes. These fries are quick and delicious.

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the parsnips and roots. Make sure the roots aren't dry. Cut into thin strips and place in a bowl.
• add three tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil, one tablespoon of dried garlic, salt to taste, ground black pepper;
• Mix everything well, place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, and distribute evenly;
• bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally;
• Place the finished fries on a plate. It's best to eat the dish warm.

Harvesting parsley for the winter

In winter, all root vegetables are three times more expensive than in summer. Therefore, it is better prepare parsley Make these preparations in advance. These will always come in handy in winter. You can easily use them to make borscht, stew vegetables, or add them to a side dish.

• wash the root, peel it, grate it on a coarse grater;
• place in portions into bags, release air, tie into knots;
• Place all the portioned bags into one large bag and label it;
• Place the bag in the freezer.

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Quick Celery and Parsley Salad

Eating parsley every day can help you tone your body, maintain your weight, and avoid gaining weight. Feeling hungry? Prepare as much as you can eat in one day. The benefit of this salad lies in its freshness.

• grate celery, parsley root, and half a medium apple on a coarse grater and place on a plate;
• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. You can add nuts, raisins, dried apricots, or prunes. Enjoy.

How can it be used for medicinal purposes?

Parsley is widely used in home medicine. It's used for liver and kidney diseases, as a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent, as a diuretic for kidney stones, and to relieve itching after insect bites. The spice is effective for strengthening gums, reducing loss of appetite, and reducing swelling in the legs. It's also used to treat anemia. It's said to improve mood and eliminate bad breath, such as the smell of garlic and alcohol.

For medicinal purposes, the leaves and roots are usually harvested. The roots should be one year old and dried at a temperature no higher than 50 degrees Celsius. The leaves are dried in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, or outdoors under a canopy. It is recommended to harvest the herb before it flowers. Dried parsley is used in cooking and to prepare medicinal infusions.

Application in home cosmetology

Housewives use the fragrant plant to make masks for oily and dry skin types, and freeze ice cubes from a decoction of the spice for toning and smoothing fine wrinkles. Infusions are used for acne, pimples, hair care, and freckles.

Whitening face lotion

This lotion isn't just for women. It helps teenagers with acne and problem skin. Parsley lotion has long been known to rejuvenate skin, restore elasticity, smooth fine wrinkles, and help combat bags under the eyes. It's also beneficial for those with age spots and those looking to whiten their skin.

To prepare the lotion, boil a kettle. Place a small handful of herbs in the pot and pour in about 200g of boiling water. Cover and let cool. This will create an infusion of the herb. You can also make a decoction. To do this, place the herbs in the boiling water over low heat, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

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The lotion is made from an infusion or decoction. Strain the cooled infusion (or decoction) and pour into molds. Store the lotion in the refrigerator for up to a week. It cleanses pores, smoothes uneven skin, moisturizes dry skin, and eliminates flaking. It has a rejuvenating effect and slows the aging process. Apply the lotion to your face morning and evening. Results will be visible within a month. The course of application is one month. Then take a break for one month and then continue.

Magic Ice

• Make ice from the infusion. Cool, pour into an ice cube tray, and place in the freezer. This is an excellent tonic that gives your skin a healthy glow and improves circulation.
• Mix the decoction with low-fat cottage cheese and apply to your face. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Mask for oily skin

• chop the greens into small pieces, grind the oatmeal in a blender;
• mix the ingredients in equal proportions;
• apply the resulting mixture to your face and leave for 25 minutes;
• Rinse off the mask with warm running water and wipe your face with an ice cube.

Mask for dry skin

• mix one tablespoon of finely chopped herbs with a tablespoon of sour cream;
• After cleansing your face, apply the mask for 25 minutes;
• Wash your face with warm water and wipe your face with an ice cube.

For acne and pimples

• Pass the stems and leaves of the spice through a juicer to obtain juice;
• pre-cleanse the skin with a toner;
• lubricate the affected areas with the plant juice;
• Wipe your face three times a day for a whole month.

Hair care, getting rid of freckles

Prepare a decoction from all parts of the plant: seeds, roots, stems, and leaves. Rinse your hair with the decoction after washing. It will add strength and shine to your hair. An infusion of crushed seeds in vodka or vegetable oil is also effective against hair loss. Rub it into problem areas. If you have oily hair or dandruff, a parsley lotion will help: pour 20 grams of parsley into 200 ml of vodka and let it steep in a dark place for two weeks. Apply the lotion three times a week.

Chop four teaspoons of herbs in a blender and apply to problem areas, avoiding the lower eyelids. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes. Then rinse with cool water and apply cream. Remember that freckles can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun.

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Reviews

Nadezhda, 35 years old

I grow parsley in my garden. Last year I planted both root and leaf parsley. My husband loves it with meat, and the kids eat it in bunches straight from the garden. I make a decoction to rinse my hair after a sauna. I'm very pleased with the results—my hair is shiny and healthy.

Dmitry, 51 years old

I've had vision problems for a long time. Friends recommended taking a tincture made from the root of the herb. I found the recipe and made the tincture. I've been taking it for two years now. My vision has started to improve, I think thanks to the tincture and vision exercises.

Oksana, 43 years old

I use parsley leaves in masks. My skin is dry with fine lines. Someone recommended using face masks. Now it's nice to look at myself in the mirror. My face is moisturized, and the wrinkles around my eyes have disappeared. I also freeze ice and use it to tone my face and décolleté.

This juicy, vibrant plant, rich in vitamins and microelements, with its simple name, has become beloved for its taste, color, and aroma. Its healing properties are legendary. It's a favorite on holiday tables, in folk medicine, and in home cosmetology. It's a recognized remedy for improving male potency.