Home » » Herbalism » The Little Known Powers of Parsley

The Little Known Powers of Parsley

©

Parsley Carum petroselinum

Folklore/Common Names: Petersylinge, Persely, Persele, Devil's Oatmeal, Petroselinum, Rock Parsley

Parts Used: Entire plant: Leaf, Root or Seed depending on use.

Historical Reference

The original plants that became known as Parsley are thought to have come from Sardinia, or the surrounding region. The use of Parsley in Europe spread thoroughly, however, and reached England around the mid-1500's where it quickly naturalized. Today this native of the Eastern Mediterranean can be found worldwide.

Dioscorides is said to have coined the name Petroselinum, from which the name Parsley is derived. The Greeks may have originated the folklore that accompanies the herb as well. Parsley is abundant in the various myths. The herb was said to have come from the spilled blood of Archemorus when he was eaten by serpents; later it was attributed to Hercules and living heroes; while also dedicated to Persephone and the Underworld, and wreaths of the herb were used to honor the dead. Due to its sacred association with death, it was never found indoors, much less used at the dining tables.

Parsley was often found in gardens however, as a border plant. Homer recounts it being used to feed chariot horses. Later history associated the herb with St. Peter. The association with death and the underworld may account for the lingering superstition that it is bad luck to transplant parsley... it should only be grown from seed sown directly in the soil.

The Romans were said to have tucked a bit of Parsley into their togas for protection. They may have originated the customary garnish of a sprig of Parsley on the dining plate, to protect the food from contamination. A wreath of Parsley worn on the head was supposed to delay or eliminate inebriation.

While medicinal use of Parsley was common by the Middle Ages, this will make you glad you're alive today... In France, a popular ointment made from Parsley pounded together with snails, was applied daily for "scrofulous swellings'.

One bit of folklore mentions that parsley thrown into a fishpond will heal sick fish in the pond.

Juice from crushed fresh Parsley leaves is said to relieve the itch of insect bites.

Medicinal Use

Caution: There is some indication that large amounts of Parsley can have toxic effects on the liver and lungs, can irritate the kidneys, and cause skin irritation. While normal, average consumption is safe, please consult a Doctor if you are considering any sort of medicinal use of Parsley. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid consuming large quantities of Parsley. Do NOT consume any form of Parsley oil, which is concentrated in amounts that can be dangerous.

The copyright of the article The Little Known Powers of Parsley in Herbalism is owned by . Permission to republish The Little Known Powers of Parsley in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.