Home Herbs A to Z Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Print E-mail

from Garnish to Medicine...

In the Garden | Culinary | Cosmetic | Medicinal use | Related articles

Popular garden varieties

Moss Curled Parsley

Italian Parsley

Related articles

Top

In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Clump-forming biennial, Frost hardy, Height 25 cm, Spread 25 cm,
  • Can be used as a border planting in the garden for a soft finish,

     

Cultivation:

  • Composted, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade (minimum 4 hours direct sun),
  • Never allow the soil to dry out, as it requires moist soil conditions, but prevent a waterlogged situation.
  • Parsley is ideal for container growing, but ensure that you use a well-drained potting soil and a container with proper drainage holes,
  • Fertilize with an organic fertilizer at least once a month, as parsley is a heavy feeder. Yellowing leaves will indicate either a drainage problem (too waterlogged), or a lack of fertilizer.

Harvesting:

  • Leaves are picked during the growing season, and used fresh as needed. Pick leaves from the outside of the plant. Leaves can be dried or frozen for later use. The tastiest leaves will
  • be produced in the first growing season. Therefore regard parsley as an annual and replace it every season.

     

Companion Planting:

  • Vegetables: Asparagus, Onions, Tomatoes,
  • Shrubs: Grow with Roses to improve their health and scent,
  • Herbs: Chives, Garlic,
  • Do not plant with: Mint.

     

Repellant for:

  • Asparagus beetle.

Top

Culinary use
  • Freshly picked leaves are used for garnishing and to enhance the flavour of other foods and herbs. It is valued for its taste and nutritional content. Add the fresh leaves just before the end of cooking to retain the best flavour.
  • Combines well with Chervil, French Tarragon, Fennel, Lemon Balm,
  • Beans, Fresh Salads, Potatoes, Tomatoes,
  • Beef, Chicken, Fish, Game, Lamb, Shellfish, Veal,
  • Cheese, Egg dishes, Casseroles, Sandwiches, Soup, French dishes, Italian dishes, Mexican dishes, Sauces, Butter, Salad Dressings, Stuffing and Savoury Dishes,

     

  • Nutrition:
    • Highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals. One of the richest sources of vitamin C.
    • Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, D, E, bioflavonoids, Calcium, Folic acid (Folate), Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silica, Zinc,

Top

Cosmetic
  • An infusion can be added to bath water to soothe the skin.Use in Herbal Bath Smoothies,
  • A dry skin will benefit from a facial steam and will help to minimize freckles.
  • Use as a hair tonic and conditioner.

Top

Medicinal use

Parsley may be beneficial in the following cases:

Metabolism
  • Tonic, Halitosis, Clears toxins, Fatigue.
Sensory System
  • Eyes : Macular Degeneration - High in the Carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, that is beneficial for MD,
Endocrine System
  • Mild activator of adrenals and thyroid gland.
Skin
  • An infusion made from the seed and used as hair rinse, is effective for killing head lice.
  • Strengthen hair, nails and skin.
Respiratory System
  • Coughs, expectorant.
Cardiovascular System
  • High blood pressure, Anaemia.
Liver
  • Liver disorders and inflammation of the Gall bladder.
Digestive system
  • Carminative, Indigestion, Cramps, Colic, Anorexia.
Urinary System
  • Cystitis, Diuretic, Oedema, Kidney stones.
Reproductive System
  • Menstrual complaints, PMS and menopausal hot flashes,
  • Prostatitis,
Musculo / Skeletal System
  • Rheumatism and arthritis.

 

 

Preparation and dosage:

TEA:

  • 1 Cup of tea made from fresh leaves, 3 times per day.

TINCTURE (leaves, root or seeds):

  • 2-4 ml in water, three times per day.

CAUTION:

  • Do not use in medicinal dosage during pregnancy.

Top

 

 

 

Featured Herb

Yarrow:
A must have for companion planting: Composting: Add leaves to the compost heap to speed up decomposition; Infuse and use as a copper fertilizer for other plants; helps nearby plants to resist disease and deepens their fragrance and flavour; attracting beneficial insects: hoverflies, bumble bees, butterfly, labybirds and wasps.

Follow us on:

Healthy Living Herbs on Facebook