Abraham Mathews
AP Biology
Mrs. Sigler
February 15, 2010
Medicinal Plant (Petroselinum Hortense)
The Latin name used for parsley (Petroselinum hortense), is formed from two Greek words:
"petros" which means stone and "selinon" which means celery. Presently the United States along
with Canada and Europe are the main growers of parsley. It is important to bear in mind that parsley
seeds have an outstanding aphrodisiac effect by stimulating the sexual glands. Moreover, they
stimulate fertility and helps against dependency upon alcohol and against brain tumors. It has an
abundant variety of vitamins and minerals in them such as pro-vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E,
vitamin K, beta-carotene, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur and
calcium. It acts like an antioxidant and also as a general stimulant, diuretic, antiseptic,
anti-infectious, and antirachitic. Apart from these, parsley is a great neutralizer of the negative
effects brought about by smoking and dependence upon alcohol. This herb is used in cosmetic
solutions for face cleaning or removing of freckles. It can also be used for various illnesses such as
asthma, anemia, obesity, rheumatic illnesses, toothaches, indigestions, intestinal parasites, menstrual
disorders or even tumors. Parsley leaves are an invaluable adjuvant and also beneficial for the
stomach, kidneys, bladder, and flow of blood. The powder obtained from parsley or from the
crushed parsley leaves is used to make poultices from which are then applied on areas affected by
mosquito bites or itchiness. The products containing parsley are not advisable to pregnant women or
those who breastfeed. However they can consume parsley in foods.