Celery (Apium graveolens) is a marshland plant in the family Apiaceae that has been cultivated as a vegetable since antiquity. Celery has a long fibrous stalk tapering into leaves. Depending on location and cultivar, either its stalks, leaves or hypocotyl are eaten and used in cooking. Celery is also used as a spice and its extracts have been used in herbal medicine.
Celery leaves are pinnate to bipinnate with rhombic leaflets 3–6 centimeters (1–2+1⁄2 inches) long and 2–4 cm (1–1+1⁄2 in) broad. The flowers are creamy-white, 2–3 mm (3⁄32–1⁄8 in) in diameter, and are produced in dense compound umbels. The seeds are broad ovoid to globose, 1.5–2 mm (1⁄16–5⁄64 in) long and wide. Modern cultivars have been selected for either solid petioles, leaf stalks, or a large hypocotyl.[3] A celery stalk readily separates into “strings” which are bundles of angular collenchyma cells exterior to the vascular bundles.[rx]
Wild celery, Apium graveolens var. graveolens, grows to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall. Celery is a biennial plant that occurs around the globe. It produces flowers and seeds only during its second year. The first cultivation is thought to have happened in the Mediterranean region, where the natural habitats were salty and wet, or marshy soils near the coast where celery grew in Agropyron-remission-plant communities.[rx]
North of the Alps, wild celery is found only in the foothill zone on soils with some salt content. It prefers moist or wet, nutrient-rich, muddy soils. It cannot be found in Austria and is increasingly rare in Germany.[rx]
| Celery Seed Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Celery Seed |
| Scientific Name: | Apium graveolens |
| Taste | Slightly pungent |
| Calories | 25 Kcal. Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin B6 (76.92%) Iron (36.50%) Manganese (21.39%) Calcium (11.50%) Copper (9.89%) |
| Health benefits | Treat indigestion, Repels mosquito, Normalize blood pressure, Treat menstrual problems, Assist to lose weight |
Scientifically known as Apium graveolens, Celery is originated in the Mediterranean region. Celery belongs to the family Apiaceae which is commonly used as a vegetable. Seeds are used as a spice. The plant of celery grows upto 1 meter tall. It was cultivated as a medicinal plant thousands of years ago. Later on, it was cultivated for its leaves which are used to add flavor to foods. In 1887, celery was introduced to North America from France in the form of two cultivars: self-blanching “Paris Golden Yellow Self-Blanching” and green cultivar have known as “Pascal”. Being a biennial plant, it produces an upright rosette of leaves in the first year with closely-appressed succulent leaf stalks. It produces a tall flowering stem in the second year with terminal and axillary umbels of small and greenish to white flowers which turns into tiny fruits measuring 1.5 mm long. Leaves are pinnate to bipinnate having rhombic leaflets measuring 2 to 4 cm broad and 3 to 6 cm long.
Seeds are also the basis for the main mode of propagation of the celery plants. Seeds of celery are normally small and dark brown in color and possess the taste and smell of celery stalks. It is used to enhance the flavor of the dish. Celery seeds possess various substances including flavonoids, volatile oils, linoleic acid. The essential oil extracted from celery seeds contains selinene, d-limonene, sedaolide, sesquiterpene alcohols, and sedanonic anhydride. Being a medicinal plant, celery is used as an anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, carminative, laxative, emenagogue, tonic, stimulant, and laxative.
History
Celery seed is really a derivative of the domesticated wild plant termed as “smallage”. It absolutely was utilized by ancient Greeks as well as Romans for therapeutic reasons. It absolutely was additionally considered to bring bad luck and it was related to funerals.
Celery seed is specially produced in India and China.
Celery seed has been a therapeutic cure for thousands of years, mainly utilized to deal with arthritis, colds, and flu, edema as well as digestive problems say the University of Maryland Medical Center. In Ayurvedic medication based in India, celery seed was also utilized to deal with spleen and liver diseases. Celery seed’s historical medicinal uses are typically centered around its diuretic properties. The remedy also had historical uses as a possible antispasmodic, laxative, sedative, aphrodisiac, and tonic.
Nutritional value of Spices, celery seed
Calories 25 Kcal. Calories from Fat 14.76 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 0.39 g | N/D |
| Energy | 25 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 107 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 1.17 g | 2.34% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 1.64 g | 4.69% |
| Ash | 0.6 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 2.69 g | 2.07% |
| Total dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 2.11% |
| Total Sugars | 0.04 g | N/D |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 115 mg | 11.50% |
| Iron, Fe | 2.92 mg | 36.50% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 29 mg | 6.90% |
| Phosphorus, P | 36 mg | 5.14% |
| Potassium, K | 91 mg | 1.94% |
| Sodium, Na | 10 mg | 0.67% |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.45 mg | 4.09% |
| Copper, Cu | 0.089 mg | 9.89% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.492 mg | 21.39% |
| Selenium, Se | 0.8 µg | 1.45% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.022 mg | 1.83% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.019 mg | 1.46% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.199 mg | 1.24% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.058 mg | 1.16% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 1 mg | 76.92% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 0 µg | 0.00% |
| Folic Acid | 1 µg | N/D |
| Folate, food | 1 µg | N/D |
| Folate, DEF | 1.6 µg | N/D |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 1.1 mg | 1.22% |
| Fat-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A, IU | 3 IU | N/D |
| Beta Carotene | 2 µg | N/D |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.07 mg | 0.47% |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.142 g | N/D |
| capric acid 10:00 (decanoic acid) | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 12:00 | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Myristic acid 14:00(Tetradecanoic acid) | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 0.084 g | N/D |
| Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) | 0.025 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.035 g | N/D |
| Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) | 0.016 g | N/D |
| Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 1.004 g | N/D |
| Gadoleic acid 20:1 (eicosenoic acid) | 0.016 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.242 g | N/D |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 0.229 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 0.013 g | N/D |
| Phytosterols | 4 mg | N/D |
| Flavones | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Apigenin | 5.1 mg | N/D |
| Luteolin | 49.6 mg | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health benefits of Celery Seed
Celery seeds are seeds taken from the celery plant. They’ve been utilized for therapeutic reasons for hundreds of years in many parts of the world, though they remain relatively recent to western cultures. Celery seed could be taken in capsule or even tablet form and may additionally be consumed raw. Crushed celery seed is even utilized as a tea. Here are a few health advantages of celery seed
1. Treat indigestion
Celery seeds are used to provide relief from upset stomach, indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. Take ¼ teaspoon of celery seed with water once regularly which helps to treat the stomach problems.
- Repels mosquito
Celery seed oil helps to repel mosquitoes. The study shows that applying the gel which contains 5 to 25% of celery extract to keeps mosquitoes away for about four hours. Mix a few drops of Celery seed oil to body lotions and apply it to exposed areas of skin before going out in the evening which keeps mosquitoes away.
- Normalize blood pressure
Celery seeds act as a vasodilator that widens blood vessels and promotes circulation. It possesses a diuretic activity that lowers fluid volume in the body. These two activities when occur together helps to lower the level of blood pressure. The study conducted on 30 patients suffering from mild to moderate blood pressure levels shows that 150 mg of Celery seed extract in a day reduces both diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels. Use one teaspoon of Celery seeds for mild to moderate hypertension once a day. If one is taking medication for hypertension, consult the doctor before taking it to avoid having blood pressure levels fall too low.
- Treat menstrual problems
The extract or oil from celery seed is used to treat menstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, menstrual flow, and irregular menstrual cycles. It possesses apiol which is helpful for the endocrine system and assists with menstrual disorders and PMS. The extract of Celery seed with saffron and anise seed extract daily for the first three days of menstruation assist with cramps and menstrual pains. Taking 1-2 capsules of Celery seed extract once daily for three days from the first day of the menstrual cycle helps to alleviate the severity of menstrual discomfort and assist with PMS.
- Assist to lose weight
The tea made from Celery seeds assists weight loss as it enhances metabolism. Boil one teaspoon of crushed celery seed in one cup of water for about 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. When the tea quantity reduces to half a cup. Drink this half cup of tea twice regularly with a daily workout routine which helps to lower weight significantly.
- Lowers anxiety
Use the mixture of sandalwood and celery seed oil in aromatherapy which is helpful to treat nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and mental stress. The celery seed oil has a soporific and calming activity that soothes the anxious brain. Take a warm bath having 10 drops of Celery seed oil combined into the water while separately burning Celery seed essential oil in an aroma lamp or oil burner for about an hour which helps to soothe mind and body and also assist with anxiety, sleeplessness, and nervousness.
- Lowers inflammation
Celery seeds have analgesic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory activity which helps to treat gout, arthritis, painful joints, and muscles. The diuretic properties found in seeds eliminate excess uric acid by stimulating kidneys which assist in alkalizing blood. Drink one cup of tea prepared with one tablespoon of celery seed twice regularly for alleviating discomfort which is caused by gout crystals. For sciatica pain, muscle aches, and inflamed joints, take a warm bath having 10 to 15 drops of Celery oil combined in bathwater which helps to alleviate pain. Mix the celery seed oil with a carrier oil and apply it directly on inflamed joints or lower back to provide relief from Sciatica pain.
- Treat joint problems
It is helpful for maintaining joint health. It is used to treat health problems such as rheumatism, arthritis and gout. As a diuretic, celery seeds help to flush out excess uric acid from the body which is the main cause of gout. It helps to alkalize the blood. For treating gout, people take celery seeds. A person must have an adequate intake of water throughout the day while using it to treat gout. The studies have shown celery seed effectiveness for the treatment of arthritis. Celery seeds are helpful for rheumatoid arthritis patients which are related to mental depression. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief from swelling and pain around joints. It lowers degeneration of joints in the body which occurs in health problems such as arthritis.
- Treat kidney stones
Celery seeds are helpful for patients suffering from kidney stones as it is rich in sodium and potassium which effectively eradicates toxic wastes from the body with the stimulation of bowels and kidneys. Celery seeds promote a level of water in the body with the stimulation of kidneys which helps to flush out stones from the body. Boil a tablespoon of seeds in a small quantity of water and use this cooling mixture for eliminating kidney stones and uric acid. Consume this mixture after straining, once or twice a day to obtain health benefits.
- Helpful for diabetics
Studies show a positive relationship between celery seeds and diabetes. It is helpful for those people suffering from type 1 diabetes where there is a deficiency of insulin in the blood. Daily intake of celery seed for diabetes is helpful in elevating the level of insulin in the blood. The consumption of celery is not effective for type 2 diabetes patients which have a high content of insulin in the body. It provides hypoglycemic effect in diabetic patients and use of it prevents as well as treats diabetes. It does not allow the level of blood sugar in the body to spike. The daily intake of tea prepared from celery seeds helps to keep the condition under control in diabetic patients. Consume 2 to 3 cups of tea daily to treat diabetes effectively.
11. Reduces Uric Acid in the body
If you suffer from gout then you might want to try a celery seed gout remedy. This particular herbal Medicine features a number of benefits for the urinary system and can assist eliminate uric acid from the body better. This reduces the existence of gout crystals and also the resulting pain and inflammation.
12. Counteract infections
Celery seeds are the ideal source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is really an effective natural water-soluble antioxidant that can help the body develop resistance against infectious agents as well as remove cancer-causing free radicals from the body.
13. Celery Seed for Gout
The extract of celery seed has got the capability of calming inflammation as well as negating the destructive effects of uric acid which frequently leads to pain and swelling in Gout. Gout is a very common type of arthritis that arises because of the crystallization of a high amount of urine, uric acid as well as tissues within the joints. The seeds comprise approximately twenty different anti-inflammatory agents and therefore are very efficient in providing rest from gout by getting rid of uric acid from the body.
Traditional uses
- The essential oil provides a calming effect on the central nervous system.
- Celery seeds are used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for treating flu, colds, poor digestion, water retention, liver problems, spleen, and arthritis.
- It is used as a diuretic that assists the body to eliminate water by promoting the output of urine.
- It also acts as a repellent for mosquitos.
- It is used as a remedy for cold and anti-inflammation.
- Celery seed helps to lower the chances of muscle cramps and spasms.
- It is also helpful for menstrual pains as it possesses antispasmodic properties. Apply celery seed oil to the abdomen to lower menstrual pain and cramps.
- Apply the seed oil topically for alleviating body aches or swelling.
Possible Side Effects
Although little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of dietary supplements containing celery seed, there’s some concern that this remedy may be harmful to people with kidney inflammation.
In addition, celery seed may interact with a number of medications, including blood-thinning drugs, diuretics, lithium, and thyroid medicine. If you’re currently using any of these medications, make sure to consult your physician prior to taking a celery seed supplement.
Celery seed does not come from the familiar vegetable that you eat, but rather from an ancestor of that plant known as wild celery or smallage. Despite that, those with an allergy to celery should avoid celery seeds. Allergic reactions may be mild (skin inflammation) but can also become severe, even leading to anaphylaxis.
Celery seed is likely unsafe in pregnant women. According to medical sources, it might make the uterus bleed and contract, potentially causing a miscarriage. The safety of celery seed in nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions has not been established.”
Possible interactions
Few studies have investigated celery seed, so researchers do not really know whether it interacts with other herbs and medications. However, people who take the following medicines should ask their doctors before taking celery seed.
Lithium: Celery seed may alter how this medication is excreted in the body.
Thyroid medications: Celery seed may interact with thyroid medications.
Diuretics (water pills): Celery seed acts as a diuretic. So it could make the effects of other diuretics stronger and raise the risk of dehydration.
Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets): Celery seed contains chemicals that may thin the blood. This could make the effects of blood thinners stronger and raise the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners include aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and clopidogrel (Plavix).
Other medications: Celery seed may interact with lithium, thyroid medications, and sedatives.
Selection, Preparation, & Storage
Celery seed and celery seed extract are sold in capsule form in many natural-foods stores and other shops specializing in natural remedies. You can also purchase celery seed supplements online.
Celery seed for medicinal use is packaged and sold with a supplement label that states the amount of celery seed provided in each dose. Typically suggested doses range from 600 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). However, there is not enough evidence to determine a safe or effective dose of this remedy.
Celery seed that you buy in the spice aisle of the grocery does not contain dosing information. If you cook with celery seed, store it with your other spices in a cabinet or drawer away from heat and light.
Keep in mind that according to guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is illegal to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease or to alleviate the symptoms of one.
Beyond that, however, dietary supplements are largely unregulated overall. In some cases, a product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In others, a product may be contaminated with other substances.
While consumers face such risks when purchasing any dietary supplement, these risks may be of greater magnitude in the purchase of Ayurvedic products (particularly those containing a variety of herbs).
To stay on the safe side, it’s best to look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. These independent organizations don’t guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but they do provide a certain level of testing for quality.
Precautions
- Seeds have a high content of allergen.
- Pregnant women should avoid its use as it leads to uterine bleeding as well as muscle contractions in the uterus that might result in miscarriage.
- People having kidney problems and low blood pressure should not use celery seeds.
- People who are allergic to birch pollen might be allergic to celery seeds.
- Chemicals found in seeds and stems might cause skin sensitivity to UV rays of skin.
- Do not use it with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, aspirin, and others.
How to Eat
- Celery seeds are used as a spice.
- It is used to enhance the flavor of foods.
- The essential oil extracted from seeds is used as a flavoring.
- Dry the seeds for later use.
- Seeds are used in salad dressings, pickles, chicken soups, loaves of bread, coleslaw, tomato juices, and meats.
- Eastern Europeans and Scandinavians add celery seeds to salads, stews, soups, and sauces.
- Seeds in the grounded form are used in bologna, salami, knockwurst, frankfurters, and corned beef.
- Bengalis and North Indians add seeds of Celery to pickles, curries, and chutneys.
References
