Petroselinum crispum
root used to make a decoction can be used for a myriad of conditions including
arthritis, asthma, difficult urination, gout, hepatitis, high blood pressure,
jaundice, rheumatism and sciatica, among others.
Making a decoction is easy. Use 1 pint of distilled water
and add 1 ounce of parsley root, bring to a boil on the stove and let simmer
until the liquid is reduced by ¼. The liquid will absorb quite a bit into the
dried roots and it only takes about 10 minutes of simmering to reduce it. Pour
the decoction through a strainer. I used the infusion stainless steel strainer.
Then press the liquid out of the root to extract all available decoction. This first time I tried this decoction, there was not much liquid left. Decoctions keep for only a few days in the fridge anyway, so taking 2-4 Tbls 3-4 times a day, seems like the perfect amount.
The dried root smells a lot like the parsley we are used to
using in culinary practice. While it is simmering, the smell resembles a urine
smell which I found interesting since parsley is identified as a diuretic, an
herb that will support kidney function, cleansing the blood of toxins while
helping the kidney act as a filter. It tastes sweet and is easy to swallow but
does still have kind of a urine smell. Mixing this with another herb for
palatability might be helpful for those who are bothered by it, chamomile might
be a good one.
It is important not to use parsley for more than culinary
use when pregnant or lactating for the risk of elevated heart rate in babies.
It is also not recommended for people with inflamed kidneys.
I am using the decoction I made and hope to see an
improvement in my joint pain. I have a condition that causes arthritic symptoms
and have had some problems with my wrists, neck and shoulders lately. Looking
forward to seeing if this is helpful and depending on the results, will be
adding parsley to my garden this year!
Some resources on using parsley medicinally:
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