The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Parsley
The Power of Herbs: Herbs and Spices

ORIGINS

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial Eurasian herb with edible leaves. Varieties include flat-leaf (Italian) parsley and curly-leaf parsley. The leaves have many culinary applications, while both the leaves and the roots are used in medicine. The word parsley comes from the Greek petroselinon: petro, meaning “rock,” and selinon, meaning celery.

HISTORY/LORE

The ancient Greeks associated parsley with death and used it in funeral ceremonies. One legend says that parsley is slow to germinate because the seed travels to the devil and back nine times before coming up, and any seeds that don’t germinate were kept by the devil. Some people are superstitious about transplanting parsley, saying that it brings bad luck.

USES

Healing Uses: Parsley is rich in vitamins C, A, and B as well as iron and calcium. It improves digestion and promotes cardiovascular health. A compress soaked in cooled parsley tea soothes puffiness and swelling. Apply a parsley poultice to insect bites. Parsley essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be used to treat acne and skin infections. Parsley root treats urinary and kidney conditions. Chewing on parsley cleans the teeth and freshens the breath. Parsley may be used to bring on menstruation. Pregnant women should not eat large quantities of parsley.

Magical Uses: Use parsley in spells to increase strength and vitality following surgery or an illness. Use a mesh bag of parsley in a purification bath by holding it under the running water. Place parsley on the plate to prevent food contamination. Burn the dried herb as incense in rituals for the dead. Parsley enhances fertility and is often used as an offering to mother goddesses.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Parsley is an uplifting herb. It restores a sense of well-being and helps the user get out of a rut. Parsley also encourages love and lust, bringing excitement and romance to a relationship.