Parsley keeps bad breath at bay
Parsley or Petroselinum crispum is a native of the Middle East. But it is now grown widely for its medicinal properties and health value. This herb is used in Ayurveda, Unani and even in the modern medicine.
Though it is generally recommended for its ability to fight bad breath, parsley is used for the treatment of a number of health issues like stones and calculi in the kidney, infection of the gall bladder, boils, stings and bites by insects, flatulence and indigestion. It is also recommended as a natural blood purifier and a general health tonic.
The leaves of parsley, both fresh and dried, as also its tap root, are used in herbal formulations. The leaves can be chewed raw or consumed as herbal tea, a decoction or tincture. An ointment, poultice or leaf paste of parsley can be applied externally for skin problems including inflammation. Some herbal doctors prescribe a head wash using a paste of parsley leaves to kill head lice.
Parsley leaves are rich in vitamin C and they thus help in purifying the blood and keeping the circulatory system in good condition. Pregnant women should avoid parsley as it could create health problems for them.
Others should use it in prescribed quantities as heavy dosages could lead to complications.
Home remedies
w Take a few leaves of parsley, wash them in water and chew them. This prevents bad breath. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll and other natural substances that prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the mouth and causing bad breath. You can also prepare a mouth gargle using parsley leaves. Take a few washed leaves and put them in a glass of water. Boil the water, filter the solution and use it for gargling twice a day. Prepare the solution fresh everyday.
w Some herbal doctors prescribe Parsley tea for problems like stones and calculi in the kidneys. Parsley is also recommended for those with jaundice.
w Chewing a few parsley leaves daily will help in fighting flatulence and indigestion.
w Take a few leaves, crush them and apply this on painful boils, insect bites or insect stings for relief.
w Inflammation or swelling can also be reduced by applying a parsley leaf paste or ointment on the affected area.
Post new comment