The Power of Parsley

Parsley 

(petroselinum crispum, petroselinum sativum)

Gender: Masculine

Elements: Air and Earth

Planets: Mars and Mercury

Folk names: Devil’s Oatmeal, Persely, Persil, Petersili, Petroselinum, Rock Parsley

Parsley is a member of the carrot family and is widely used as a herb garnish to meals.  


It is also added to soups, sauces and stews.

The Ancient Greeks simply associated parsley with death as it was supposed to have sprung from the blood of Archemorus, whose name meant 'Forerunner of Death.'   Homer tells of chariot horses being fed parsley by warriors prior to battle in hopes of making the animals more fleet of foot. Victors at funeral games, athletic contests held in honor of a recently deceased person, were crowned with parsley.

The Romans did not generally eat parsley but they did wear garlands of parsley on their heads during feasts to ward off intoxication. Parsley was kept away from nursing mothers because it was thought to cause epilepsy in their babies.


Medicinal uses:

The chlorophyll in parsley helps to prevent bad breath.

Parsley helps to stimulate urination thus making it a good therapy for kidney stones, bladder stones and urinary infections.

It is also used to aid premenstrual discomfort.

Parsley can also help to inhibit the body’s histamines so can be useful in treating colds and congestions.

Parsley extract can help to treat bruising when applied topically.

Also useful for treating breast milk deficiency, frigidity, hair loss, heart problems, respiratory, arthritic pain, infection, high blood pressure, liver disease, skin problems and stomach ache.

Chew on a sprig or two after a meal, or drink daily – adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried parsley to a cup of hot water.  The root of the parsley is said to be more effective than the leaves.  (Pregnant women should avoid all but small quantities of parsley).

Parsley oil can be used to repel headlice and a parsley ointment can be used on swellings.   Try dipping a cloth in parsley tea and place over closed eyes for 10 minutes to reduce fatigue.

Magical uses:

Magical powers: Healing, lust, protection, purification, vitality

Call the power of Earth and drink as an infusion.

Restores a sense of well being.

Use to increase strength and vitality after surgery or illness, also to add new life to a stale situation.

When eaten parsley promotes lust and fertility, but old folklore says if you are in love don’t cut parsley as it will cut your love as well.

Use parsley in your bath for purification and to stop misfortune.  

Folklore states that you can only grow parsley in your garden if the man rules the house, if you can’t grow parsley then the woman is in charge!

Tansy

x