CELERY

CELERY

(Apium graveolens)

Other Names

Garden Celery, Marsh Parsley, Wild Celery.

Description

Celery is a biennial plant native to North and South America, Europe, and Africa.   It is also widely cultivated.   In the second year the angular stalks will grow from 1 - 3 feet high, producing white flowers bloom from July through November, followed by the small ecliptic fruit.

Classification

Moist

Taste

Bitter-Sweet

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool

Humor

Uses/Applications

Use Celery to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.   It is also used to treat cystitis, promote the onset of menses, bronchitis, and as a sedative for nervousness.   Use as an appetite stimulant, to lower high blood pressure, and as a strong diuretic for moderate chronic kidney problems.   Some herbalist’s believe it an excellent anti-cancer tonic.

Seeds

Infusion

Combine with other anti-inflammatory herbs and use for rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Root

Tincture

Use as a diuretic in hypertension and urinary disorders.   It is also used as a component in arthritic remedies, or as a kidney energy stimulant and cleanser.

Whole Plant

Juice

The juice is taken for joint and urinary tract inflammations, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, or urethritus, for weak conditions, and for nervous exhaustion.

Essential Oil

Massage Oil

Massage into the arthritic joints.

Oil

Used for the treatment of painful gout in the feet or toes.

Combinations

Bogbean, Dandelion.

Constituents

2-3% Volatile Oil, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Sedanolide.

Action

Antirhematic, Diuretic, Carminative, Sedative, Aromatic, Urinary Antiseptic.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Dried Ripe Seeds.

Collection

Collect the seeds when ripe in the fall.

Preparation

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. freshly crushed seeds.   Infuse 15 minutes.   Take three times per day.

Juice

Take 1 Tbsp 2 - 3 times per day, one hour before meals.   Use an electric vegetable juicer to extract the celery juice.   It mixes well with carrot and apple juice.   If blood pressure is high use 1/3 celery juice to 2/3 apple or carrot juice.

Massage Oil

Dilute 5-10 drops celery oil in 20 ml Almond or Sunflower oil and massage into arthritic joints.

Oil

Take 6 - 8 drops in water two times per day.

Tincture

Take 3 - 4 ml. three times per day.

Growing Directions

Start Celery seeds indoors in January or bed seedlings in early spring after the danger of frost passes.   Soak seeds before planting.   Germination takes about 10 days.   Transplant when seedlings are 3 inches tall.   Space plants 6 inches apart.   Make sure to water plenty as the stalk juice depends on it.

History

Celery is a familiar and popular vegetable that also has important medicinal values.   The whole plant is a gentle stimulant, nourishing, and restorative for weak conditions.   A homeopathic extract of the seeds is widely used in France to relieve urine retention.   It is also excellent for balancing hot, spicy dishes.

Additional Information

1.   Celery is eaten in the spring to sweeten and purify the blood.

2.   The stalk shares the medicinal properties of other parts but to a lesser extent. 

3.   Eating fresh celery stalks can stimulate milk flow after childbirth.  

4.   Wild celery is more effective but commercial can be used.

5.   Research shows Celery may protect against cancer, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.

6.   The National Cancer Institute has isolated 5 compounds of interest.   The compound Sedanolide has showed a 38 - 57% reduction in tumors in animals.

7.   Studies at the University of Chicago showed a 12% reduction in systolic (top number) blood pressure readings over a 4 week period.

Cautions

1.   Bergaplen in the seeds may increase photosensitivity so do not apply externally in bright sunshine.

2.   Avoid the oil and large doses of the seeds during pregnancy as acts as a uterine stimulant

3.   Do not use for acid stomach or heartburn.

4.   Do not take juice or oil if you are pregnant.

5. Do not buy seeds intended for cultivation because they are often treated with fungicides.

6.   Do not use as a diuretic unless you are under medical supervision.

Magick Information

Gender:

  Masculine

Planet:

  Mercury

Element:

  Fire

Deity:

  None

Powers:

  Mental Powers, Psychic Powers.

Magickal Uses:

  Chew celery seeds to aid concentration.   To increase psychic powers burn with orris root in incense.