Celery seed comes from the parsely family in the same genus and species from which the celery plant is classified. It grows primarily in France and India.
Celery seed is useful in cooking for adding celery flavor to food when crunching and chewing on the vegetable is not desirable. It gives a wholesome zestful taste to soups, salad dressings and other foods.
It has been used in Ayuervedic medicine for thousands of years, but is not well known to the western hemisphere as a medicinal product. Celery seed is used primarily as a diuretic (to help urine flow to rid the body of excess fluid). Celery seed is also suggested for treating the following medical conditions:
- to reduce muscle spasms
- to calm the nerves
- to reduce inflammation
- to treat arthritis and gout
There are no scientific studies in humans that show whether celery seed is effective for these conditions. There have been findings in studies, however, that show celery seed is successful as a mosquito repellent. A few animal studies suggest that celery seed may be helpful in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol as well as protect the the liver from from substances such as acetominophen (Tylenol), which are harmful to the liver in repeated dosages.
Preliminary studies with mice have shown that celery seed may prevent the formation of tumors. Celery seed is made of the following healthy plant substances:
- linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid)
- coumarins (chemical compunds that help thin the blood)
- flavinoids (plant pigmens with antioxidant effects that may protect cells from damage)
Do not eat celery seed if you are pregnant, taking anti-coagulants (blood thinning pills) or if you are taking diuretics (water pills). The interactions with this medication could be dangerous. Always discuss herb usage with you doctor first and foremost.