CELERY SEEDS (Apium graveolens)
by Sally Cross, Life, Health & Menopause Coach and qualified Master Herbalist.
When my celery plants go to seed, I ensure I harvest the seeds for both culinary and medicinal use. I enjoy the flavour of celery seeds in some recipes and reap the health benefits too.. As a herbalist, I am continually amazed by the extensive health benefits of the plants around us. It is a fascinating subject and my education continues, it is a life long learning experience..
In Eastern Herbal Medicine: The use of celery seeds has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as colds and flu, as a diuretic to reduce water retention, stimulates digestion, anti-inflammatory symptoms in arthritis and certain diseases of the liver and spleen. Today, celery seed is used mostly as a diuretic, meaning it helps your body eliminate water by increasing urine output. In Western Herbal Medicine: The nutritional benefits of 1 Tablespoon of celery seeds are: Calories: 25 Carbs: 2 grams Protein: 1 gram Fat: 2 grams Fibre: 1 gram Calcium: 12% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) Zinc: 6% of the RDI Manganese: 27% of the RDI Iron: 17% of the RDI for women 38% for men Magnesium: 9% of the RDI Phosphorus: 5% of the RDI
Bone health: Your bones require certain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts to stay healthy and strong. Celery seeds contain many of these important nutrients: Calcium: When your calcium intake is insufficient, your body draws on calcium from your bones. This can lead to lower bone density and increase the risk of fractures. Manganese: Activates enzymes that produce proteins necessary for the formation of bone tissue and cartilage. Magnesium and Phosphorus: These two minerals support bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Deficiency in either of these nutrients may lead to chronic bone diseases like osteoporosis. Iron: Iron is essential in producing red blood cells, needed to deliver oxygen throughout your body. Without enough dietary iron, your body cannot produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia. It is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the World. Celery seeds contain non-heme iron. For optimal absorption of iron, it is best taken with vitamin C. Foods rich in vitamin C are berries, citrus fruits and bell peppers. Blood Sugar: Magnesium has many functions in your body, such as improving blood sugar levels and insulin response. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important for reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Including celery seeds in your diet may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Inflammation: Celery seeds contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent cellular damage caused by molecules known as free radicals, so reducing inflammation, used particularly in arthritis and gout. Water Retention: Celery seeds can be used as a diuretic to increase urine flow, so reducing water retention and sodium levels in the body. Circulatory Benefits: Celery seeds can be used to lower blood pressure and treat high cholesterol. They contain a phytochemical called phthalides. As an extract, it’s called NBP, it relaxes the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Cancer: Some research indicates that celery seed extract may possess anti-cancer properties particularly in liver and stomach cancer. Celery seeds are a versatile spice with many uses. We enjoy them in stir-fries, curries, soups, casseroles, salad dressings, pickles and chutneys. Please be aware that this herb is contra-indicated in pregnancy, and may be contra-indicated in breast feeding, certain health conditions, particularly kidney inflammation, and any current medications being taken. It is advisable to check with your Primary Healthcare Provider and a qualified Herbalist before taking any herbal remedies. Information collated by Sally Cross, Online Life, Health & Menopause Coach, Master Herbalist.
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