April 2024 Full Moon
Today’s herb highlight is one that I reckon all of you know - Parsley!
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is so, so much more than just a garnish. If you, like me, are in the process of prepping and planning this year’s garden I encourage you to set aside a chunk for extra parsley.
Parsley is a nutrition powerhouse high in Vitamin K, C, and A. Vitamin K is strongly tied to heart and bone health. As a diuretic, parsley is also of great benefit to the health and function of the kidneys and urinary system. Herbalists will often reach for it in cases of relapsing urinary tract infections, urinary gravel, and nonobstructive stones. Parsley is a mild emmenagogue meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions and support healthy menstruation. While no longer popular externally, many older herbal texts mention using parsley poultices for eczema, insect bites, scaly skin, and inflamed eyes.
While high in antioxidants in its own right, parsley has also been shown to increase the benefits of other antioxidants when consumed at the same time. Perhaps there’s more to the story on why parsley is so often included as a garnish on dishes! If looking to enjoy the full range of therapeutic benefits parsley is best used fresh and by the handful. A sprig or two won’t cut it, ha!
Magically parsley is open to interpretation of the practitioner. While most often associated with protection and purification, there are also references to it being regarded as evil (perhaps by those not wanting to eat their greens?) One of its more interesting uses is the belief that when worn as a crown about the head it can prevent inebriation, ha!
In honor of today’s full moon I decided to make a mineral-rich infused vinegar using parsley, chickweed, plantain, apple, and a few dried apricots. By next full moon I’ll have a delightful healing elixir to keep me strong and healthy throughout the summer. Cheers!
Safety Note: Pregnant and nursing humans should not eat large amounts of parsley. If foraging wild edibles always positively ID and collect from areas free of chemicals.
Resources:
Healing Spices by Bharat Aggarwal
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Parsley Monograph by Rosalee de la Foret
Grimoire for the Green Witch by Ann Moura
Herbal Vade Mecum by Gazmend Skenderi
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