Benefits of Parsley Oil

Parsley is a green biennial herb, that belongs to the species Petroselinum crispum and family Apiaceae. Parsley herb is widely cultivated in countries like Germany, France, Belgium and Hungary and is well-known for its herbal medicinal value.

Its fruits, also called seeds are tiny, ovate and grayish brown in color with alternating ribs and furrows and it has yellow flowers, borne in cluster.

The herb is commonly used as a culinary garnish in different cuisines for adding an extra dimension of fresh flavor to a variety of dishes and salads. Apart from this, parsley leaves, roots and seeds are also used for centuries in folk medicines, and even today parsley oil is commonly used to treat various health ailments.

Rich in antioxidants, it supports bone health. Since parsley is loaded with different vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, etc., parsley oil which is extracted from its leaves and stems also contains certain properties that offer various health benefits of which some are given below.

• Laxative property of this oil promotes secretion of certain digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach which help in curing constipation. Also its pungent smell and high chlorophyll content stimulates appetite and helps in treating flatulence

• It also promotes regular menstrual cycle by stimulating the secretion of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body. This further benefits by improving uterus health and preventing diseases like dryness of the uterus, uterine ulcer, etc.

• Parsley oil also acts as a detoxifier and depurative which helps in purifying the blood by cleansing and removing toxins from the blood, and helping oxygen reach different parts of the body.

• Being high in vitamin C, it acts as an astringent and promotes contraction of tissues and muscles of the gum in the mouth.
• It also helps by restricting the growth of microbes in an infection or wound along with relieving pain, cramps, etc.

• As parsley oil improves blood circulation by removing toxins like excess water, salts, uric acid from the body, it helps treating rheumatism and arthritis which mainly occurs due to deposition of uric acid and insufficient blood circulation.

This simple and effective oil can be easily prepared at home. Hence, here are instructions on how to make it.

Material Required

• Parsley leaves, 500 ml , picked from stems
• Vegetable oil, 140 ml
• Iced water, 1 bowl
• Tea towel, 1
• Cheese cloth, 1

Directions

Take a pot of water, bring to boil and season with salt. Add the parsley leaves to the boiling water, let it boil for 15 - 20 seconds more and then quickly place it into the iced water for a couple of seconds or until the parsley is cold. Now place the blanched parsley in the middle of a tea towel, hold the edges together, twist to make a knot and squeeze the water from the parsley.

Transfer the parsley into the blender and put half of the oil. Blend for a few seconds and then add the remaining oil; blend again until the oil turns light green. Pour the oil into a bowl, cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Next day, strain the oil and place a cheese cloth over a bowl, and then pour the strained oil into it. Allow it to dip completely and your parsley oil is ready to use.

After knowing the various health benefits of parsley oil, I am sure you won't forget to incorporate this essential as well as nutritional oil in your daily life. Now that you know how easy it is to prepare, try making this oil at home and enjoy its endless benefits.