Celery Seed Extract
Used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years around the world and as an Ayurvedic medicine, celery seed has been recommended to treat colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and certain diseases of the liver and spleen. However, the use of celery seed medicinally is relatively new to modern, Western, herbal medicine. Celery seed is also known as Apium graveolens and is promising for its many health benefits as we learn more about its properties. Celery has become widely used for culinary purposes because of its taste, crisp texture, and low calorie count. It is a popular diet food.
Celery contains valuable nutrients that contribute to its many health benefits. The celery plant is approximately 2 - 3 feet tall. It has a slender stalk with three to five segmented leaves and flowers with tiny, white petals. Celery seeds are very small, tan to dark brown in color, and have a strong, pleasant aroma. The seeds are found inside the white flowers of the plant. Celery seeds are comprised of several valuable components such as flavonoids (plant pigments that protect cells from damage due to their antioxidant impact), coumarins (blood-thinning chemical compounds), and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid).
Benefits of Celery Seed
Celery seeds are mainly used in connection with rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. They are especially useful in rheumatoid arthritis where there is an associated mental depression. Additional benefits of celery seed may include the following:
Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol - in one study, at the University of Chicago, lab animals who were given a daily dose of a compound extracted from celery seed experienced a 12 percent reduction in their blood pressure over a four-week period. The same study indicated it may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol. A traditional Vietnamese remedy for high blood pressure.
Healthy Joints - celery has been used and suggested as an alternative therapy for arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. Celery seed is most often taken to aid in the maintenance of healthy joints. Celery seeds have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain around the joints. It is suitable for anyone who wishes to reduce the degeneration of body joints that commonly occurs with age. Celery seed can also ease joint discomfort that occurs due to inflammation and is, in fact, used for the relief of symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.
Antiseptic Properties - celery seed has an antiseptic property that makes it useful to the health of the urinary tract and a diuretic property to help relieve fluid retention. Celery seed aids in the elimination of uric acid. These properties can prove useful in cases of bladder disorders, cystitis, and kidney disorders. Celery seed helps with urinary tract infection in women.
Acts as A Diuretic - the herb contains a diuretic substance that also benefits arthritis and gout patients, as it helps to flush away the uric acid crystals that build up around the joints. Celery helps shed water weight.
Menstrual Discomfort - celery may promote the onset of menstruation.
Anxiety -celery seed can help soothe the nerves and relieve pain.
Aids Digestion - Consuming celery seed in food also aids in the digestion of protein.
Cancer Agents - contains eight different families of anti-cancer compounds, such as phthalides and polyacetylenes, that detoxify carcinogens, present in high concentrations in cigarette smoke. Celery seed is primarily used as a diuretic. It helps the body shed excess water and increases urine output. It is also commonly used to help relieve arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. Celery seed promotes healthy joints in a couple of valuable ways. First, it helps to flush out uric acid crystals that build up around the joints. Second, it works as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and swelling in the joints. Celery seed is a beneficial nutrient for helping to fight off the degeneration of joints that accompanies age.
Celery seed has also been found to help reduce muscle spasms and calm the nerves, although more research is needed to validate and understand these benefits. In addition, it is believed that celery seed may help protect the liver from damaging toxins or products such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Dosaging
Celery seed is available in a few different forms. It can be consumed as fresh or dried seeds (not the seeds sold for growing in your vegetable garden), tablets, capsules filled with celery seed oil, or celery seed extract.
It is usually recommended that you take one to two capsules or tablets of celery seed oil three times a day. You can take ¼ to ½ tsp of celery seed extract three times a day (Always take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed otherwise.) When using whole celery seeds, prepare a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon (1 - 3 g) of freshly crushed seeds. Soak the seeds for 10 - 20 minutes before straining and drinking. You can drink celery seed tea three times per day.
Side Effects
Pregnant women should not use celery seed because it may lead to uterine bleeding and muscle contractions in the uterus, which could cause miscarriage. People with active kidney inflammation should not take celery seed. Some people who are allergic to birch pollen may also be allergic to celery seed. Active compounds in celery stems and seeds can cause the skin to become highly sensitive to the sun's UV rays (called photodermatitis). Consequently, people taking celery seed should use sunscreen.
Do not eat celery seeds from a garden packet, because these seeds have usually been treated with chemicals and can be harmful.
Celery seed is not recommended for children as there is not enough research indicating its safety in children.
People who are taking diuretic medications or anticoagulation medications should not take celery seed supplements.
Always consult with your physician before taking any new medications or herbal supplements.
