Celery Seed Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

Celery seed is a potent and delicious spice, used in recipes ranging from curries to salad dressings. The benefits of this fine herbal seed may likely go beyond its culinary use, however: many studies have indicated that celery seeds provide powerful medicinal effects, and may be safe (and flavorful!) alternatives to conventional medicines. Celery seeds can relieve and prevent many conditions, from gout to hypertension.

Like all medicinal plants, the volatile oils of the celery plant are most concentrated in the seeds, giving them the most powerful medicinal effect. Celery seeds have a high content of omega-6 fatty acids, mild blood-thinning compounds, diuretic oils, flavonoids, and antioxidants. When combined, the compounds in celery seed work synergistically to fight a number of common ailments.

In herbalism, celery seed's most common use, by far, is its reported ability to combat gout and other forms of arthritis. This natural medicinal use may stem from celery seed's high content of 3-n-Butylpthalidewhich (what a mouthful!)-- a powerful diuretic. Diuretics like "3nB" cleanse the system of excess fluids, relieving symptoms like bloating and edema.

Like other diuretics, including coffee and guarana, celery seed stimulates activity in the kidneys, causing the body to flush out uric acid and the other toxin crystals that cause gout. Rheumatoid arthritis, which can also be caused or worsened by excessive uric acid, can also be eliminated with the introduction of a diuretic.

Celery seed's diuretic effect might also be used for treating other conditions related to water retention, including edema (swelling of the hands and feet) and bloating. Some women may choose to use celery seed to combat symptoms of bloating caused by PMS or menstruation, and many people with chronic edema have used it to alleviate the discomfort associated with swollen hands and feet.

Another important use for celery seed is its well-researched ability to fight high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Although research backs these uses, there are other herbal remedies that are equally effective or more so; the general population has not yet caught on to this wonderful medicinal usage. Simply cooking with celery seeds, using them as a seasoning, might alleviate diet-related illnesses over time. This medicinal use may be related to celery seed's powerful antioxidant effects.

Celery seed also has an unexplained, positive effect on the liver: at least one scientific study documented that it can protect the liver against damage from acetominophin (Tylenol), which can be acutely toxic in large doses. While more studies are needed in this area, this effect might be a godsend for those who take NSAID pain-relievers routinely: celery seed might offer long-term benefits for the entire body.

As with any herbal supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before adding celery seed to your treatment plan. The diuretic effects of celery seeds may aggrevate bladder and kidney-related problems, and it is not known whether or not celery seeds are safe for pregnant or lactating women. Before self-treating with natural, home remedies, always get the go-ahead from your doctor-- only he or she can determine the herb's safety in your situation.