The celery plant is slender and stands about 2 - 3 feet tall. It has 3 - 5 segmented leaves and flowers with small white petals. Celery seeds, which are found in the flowers, are very small, tan to dark brown, and have a strong, pleasant smell. Celery is an alimentary herb as well as a special medicinal plant.
Parts used: Ripe seeds, herb and root.
Nutrition facts: One of the very low calorie herbal plant, celery leaves contain only 16 cal per 100 g weight. Its leaves are rich source of flavonoid antioxidants. It is also good source of vitamin-A. Fresh celery is an excellent source of vitamin-K. Good source of minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese and magnesium.
Uses: Fresh leaves used in salads. Fresh leaves as well a root has been used in the preparation of soups and sauces.
Celery is used around the world as a vegetable, either for the crisp petiole (leaf stalk) or the fleshy toproot.
In temperate countries celery is also grown for its seeds. Actually very small fruit, these "seeds" yield a valuable volatile oil used in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. Celery seeds can be used as flavouring or spice, either as whole seeds or ground and mixed with salt, as celery salt. Celery salt can also be made from an extract of the roots.
Celery is used in weight-loss diets, where it provides low-calorie dietary fibre bulk. Celery seeds are also a great source of calcium, and are regarded as a good alternative to animal products.
Medicinal Uses: A common use for the seeds is as a "blood purifier" and it is sometimes taken for arthritis.
During ancient times, Ayurvedic medicine used celery seed to treat colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and certain diseases of the liver and spleen.
Today, celery seed is used primarily as a diuretic. Celery seed is also suggested for treating arthritis and gout, and to help reduce muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation. However, there are no scientific studies in humans that show whether celery seed is effective for these conditions or any others. Studies do show that celery seeds act as a mosquito repellent.
The celery seed extracts may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as protect the liver from damaging substances such as the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Medicinal Effects: Carminative stimulant, diuretic, tonic, nervine, useful in hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep, and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence.
Side effects: For pregnant women the consumption of celery should be made in very small quantities. Celery can cause in very rare cases allergic reactions to some individuals.
