- an excellent source of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is found in green leafy veggies and is needed for proper bone formation. It also helps to prevent our arteries from being hardened due to the build up of excess calcium salts (calcification) and it allows our blood to clot as it should. Low levels of Vitamin K have also been linked to developing osteoporosis.
- high in flavanoids. Flavanoids are powerful antioxidants that fight against aging and prevent disease.
- rich in folic acid.
- high in Vitamins A and C. Both of these vital nutrients are antioxidants that destroy free radicals in our bodies. Vitamin C is good for the sustained health of our eyes, hair and teeth.
- used by many as a diuretic when seeking to lose weight.
- an agent in regulating menstrual cycle and relieving the cramps and pain we experience from time to time.
- good for treating most urinary and kidney ailments.
- a chemo-protective food in that, it can help to neutralize particular kinds or carcinogens. It contains the flavanoid - lutelolin.
- an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Parsley tea is recommended to lower high blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
- used to treat insect bites, inflammation.
- traditionally used as a hair tonic and massaged directly onto the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
- a good way to promote hair shine (and colour because of its copper content) when applied to the scalp or eaten a large and consistent quantities in the diet.
Here is a recipe for parsley tea, one way of getting all the nutrition present in this herb. If you have an infusion basket, you may place the Parsley into that if you wish: 1 cup boiling water 2 tbs fresh parsley, chopped or 1 1/2 tbs dried Place the chopped herb into the cup of boiled water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. I also found a very brief take on parsley and its effect on the scalp. But given the benefits it has on our overall health, I can see how it might also have positive effects on hair. It suggested that parsley seeds disinfected the scalp and was a treatment for head lice. To do this, you must first pass the seeds through a grinder and apply the seeds directly to the scalp. If you do keep in this concoction overnight, dust it out with a brush. Another source suggests making a paste from boiled parsley by blending the boiled liquid and leaves together. Its purpose? To heal scalp problems and balance the sebaceous glands. This parsley conditioner - as they call it - is applied the same way your would henna. Leave the paste on for an hour or so then rinse as you would your normal conditioner. Wow! Information and simple things that you can do to make a difference to your overall health. Have you had your Parsley today? Additional resources: Superfoods - Parsley for Cancer, Arthritis and a Healthy heart Superfoods - Parsley juice for liver cleansing Livestrong - Parsley