The seed of the celery herb has not been used extensively in Western Herbal Medicine until modern times, even though it has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world.
In the 17th century, Italian gardeners developed from the wild familiar celery stalk the celeriac, the edible root (bulb) of the plant. Essential ingredient for soups and salads.
In India, the celery herb was used to treat colds, flu, poor digestion, arthritis, and water retention. Some herbalists even used it for jaundice, urinary blockage, dropsy and hysteria. The celery herb was also used to treat diseases of the liver and spleen. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system. These applications are well documented in the Ayurveda (a collection of Hindu medical lore).
Today the celery herb is used primarily as a diuretic (it decreases excessive water as well as Uric Acid build-up in the body, (which leads to crystal formation in the joints). The painful inflammations caused by these crystals are diagnosed as Gout.
The juice of the Celery is alkaline and eliminative and recommended for the accumulation of waste and toxins like rheumatic and arthritic ailments.
The chemical in the celery seed ( psorlens) has been used to treat psoriasis and one form of cancer, cutaneous T cell Lymphoma. But further research is needed before this herb can be used to treat these diseases.
Under the Physicians supervision high blood pressure, conjestive heart failure and diabetis could benefit from the Celery seed.
Studies conducted in Australia and South Africa attest to the anti-inflammatory qualities of the celery seed extract. The British use the seed of the celery herb as components of about 60 anti-inflammatory preparations.
Several types of Celery herb preparations are available commercially: Capsules filled with celery seed oil, Celery seed extract or just celery seed tablets. Long term use of the Celery herb can deplete your potassium level. Think about supplementing and have it tested.
If you look at the US Department of Agriculture database for an assess
