Wild celery is an essential ingredient in all broths and depurative recipes, along with onion, nettle, cabbage, and lemon. The oil obtained from celery seeds and roots is said to be an aphrodisiac.
Wild Cherry Scientific Facts
- Other names: Garden celery, celery.
- French: Celery.
- Spanish: Apio.
- Environment: Wild celery grows in salty soils along the European coastline. The plant is cultivated worldwide.
- Description: A biennial plant of the Umbelliferae family, it grows from 30 to 90 cm high and has an upright, channeled stem, dark green leaves, and a peculiar aroma.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The leaves, roots, and fruits.
Healing Properties and Uses
The entire plant contains essential oil, which acts on the kidneys, glycoquinines, a glycoside (apiin), coumarin, oleoresin, nitrogenous substances, and vitamins B and C. These are its properties:
- Diuretic and depurative. It promotes the elimination of urine and toxic metabolic waste, such as urea and uric acid. Font Quer said that celery “makes anybody urinate.” It is recommended for people with renal insufficiency, gout, arthritis, and urinary lithiasis (kidney stones). It is also a mild febrifuge.
- Wild celery juice is a refreshing appetizer. It gives a sensation of vitality and well-being. Mixed with lemon juice, tomato, and carrots, it is beneficial as a general invigorator and remineralizer. It is recommended for people experiencing exhaustion or nervous depression.
Wild celery is an excellent herbal remedy for kidney problems, gout, and arthritis. It acts as a sedative, antioxidant, and diuretic. It can reduce blood pressure and muscle spasms and enhance appetite. A decoction of the seeds can treat dropsy, incontinence of urine, neuralgia, and rheumatism and helps rid the body of excess acid. It can also be used for chronic pulmonary catarrh and deficiency diseases, flatulence, weight control, and gout.
You can eat the root raw or make it into a broth, which can treat the same problems. The entire plant can be utilized to treat rheumatism and kidney ailments. It can also stimulate the onset of menstruation. Wild celery consumed as a tea or salad will help clear skin conditions.
How to use Wild Celery
- Salads. Leaves and stems are eaten raw together with other vegetables.
- Broth. Celery and onion are essential ingredients in any depurative broth prepared by boiling vegetables and other ingredients.
- Infusion
- Decoction with root.
- Fresh juice from leaves and stems is obtained with an electric blender. Its diuretic and depurative effects are enhanced when mixed with lemon juice.
Decoction (root, seeds): Simmer for five to fifteen minutes. Take one ounce three times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ten to thirty drops as needed. Essential oil: Take one to two drops three times daily. Powder: Take four to ten #0 capsules three times daily.
WARNING! Celery can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. They should also avoid consuming the seeds or excess amounts of the plant. Because of its strong diuretic properties, celery should not be used by people with acute kidney problems. However, mild use is okay if chronic kidney issues are not present.
Frequently Asked Question
What sets wild celery apart from commonly cultivated celery?
Wild celery (Apium graveolens) has a more intense flavor and a smaller, tougher form than cultivated celery. It boasts a higher concentration of certain nutrients and beneficial compounds, including antioxidants, than its cultivated counterpart.
How does wild celery support blood pressure regulation?
This plant contains phthalides, phytochemicals that relax artery walls, potentially promoting healthier blood flow and lowering blood pressure. This is a valuable source of potassium, a mineral that aids in controlling blood pressure.
Can wild celery improve digestive health?
Yes! The fiber content of wild celery aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.
Additionally, it may have carminative properties, meaning it could help reduce gas and bloating.
Does wild celery possess anti-inflammatory properties?
Research indicates that the antioxidants and other substances included in wild celery may aid in fighting chronic inflammation, which could cause heart disease.
Are there any cognitive benefits associated with wild celery?
Research hints at a possible role of apigenin in wild celery in supporting nerve cell growth and development (neurogenesis). However, more studies are needed to understand the impact on cognition fully.
How do I incorporate wild celery into my diet safely?
If foraging, identification is crucial as some poisonous plants resemble wild celery. Consult reliable guides or an experienced forager. As with any food, start with small quantities, increasing gradually.
Wild celery can be used in juices, salads, soups, or as a seasoning, similar to cultivated celery.
Can wild celery help manage blood sugar levels?
Wild celery is a good source of magnesium. This mineral plays a role in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Further research is needed to determine its direct impact on blood sugar management.
Does wild celery have any notable vitamin and mineral content?
Yes, wild celery is a source of:
Vitamin K (wanted for blood clotting and bone health)
Vitamin C (an antioxidant supporting the immune system)
Potassium (involved in blood pressure regulation and muscle function)
Are there any potential side effects of consuming wild celery?
For most people, wild celery is safe in typical dietary amounts. Excessive consumption might lead to increased sun sensitivity due to psoralens. There is limited information on its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Where can I find reliable information and resources about wild celery?
University extension websites often provide regionally specific information. Reputable herbal medicine resources like:
Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/apium-graveolens=wild-celery.php
Scientific journals and databases such as PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 562. Print.
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 142, 143.
- WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-celery
- Verywell Health – https://www.verywellhealth.com/celery-7489011
- Medical News Today – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270678
- Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celery-seed-benefits