PARSLEY
Our skin is an important part of our defense and is key for detoxification. Stress, allergies, and the environment all take a toll on the health of our skin. Parsley helps to stimulate detoxification through the skin while increasing the skins ability to protect us. The best way to utilize parsley is to take a salt bath with about 12 drops of parsley essential oil. Massage oils, liniments, and lotions can also be made with parsley essential oil.
Digestive Aid:
Chewing on fresh parsley can help freshen breath and aid digestion due to its high content of chlorophyll, which acts as a natural deodorizer and digestive aid.
Diuretic Properties:
Parsley is believed to have diuretic properties, promoting urine production and helping to flush out toxins from the body. This can be helpful for individuals dealing with water retention or urinary tract issues.
Nutrient Boost:
Parsley is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. Consuming parsley regularly can help boost overall nutrient intake.
Anti-inflammatory:
Some folk remedies suggest using parsley to alleviate inflammation and swelling, particularly in conditions like arthritis or joint pain. Applying a poultice of crushed parsley leaves to the affected area may provide relief.
Menstrual Aid:
Parsley tea is sometimes used to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps. It is believed to have mild emmenagogue properties, which can help stimulate menstruation.
Antioxidant Benefits:
Parsley contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Including parsley in your diet may contribute to overall health and well-being.
Detoxification:
Some traditional medicine practices suggest parsley as part of detoxification regimens due to its purported ability to support liver function and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
Skin Care:
Parsley is sometimes used topically as a natural remedy for skin conditions such as acne or blemishes. Its antibacterial properties may help cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.
SKIN: Skin depletion, dull skin, poor lymphatic movement
CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS:Accumulation of toxins, arthritis, broken blood vessels, cellulitis, fluid retention, gout, rheumatism, sciatica.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Colic, flatulence, indigestion, hemorrhoids.
GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, to aid labour, cystitis, urinary infection, kidney function, water retention
PSYCHOLOGICAL:
Nutritional Support: Parsley is rich in antioxidants that support overall health, including brain health. A well balanced body can positively impact mood and cognitive function.
Stress Reduction:
Engaging in activities such as gardening (including growing parsley), cooking with fresh ingredients like parsley, or enjoying a meal with loved ones can promote relaxation and stress reduction, which are beneficial for psychological well-being.
Mindfulness Practice:
The process of growing, harvesting, and preparing parsley can be mindful activities that promote presence and relaxation, which are associated with improved mental health.
Cultural Connection:
For individuals who have cultural or familial associations with parsley, incorporating it into meals or rituals can evoke feelings of connection, belonging, and tradition, which can positively impact psychological well-being.
ENERGETIC
Purification:
Parsley is often associated with purification and cleansing energies. It is believed to help clear negative energy from spaces and individuals, promoting a sense of freshness and renewal.
Protection:
Some traditions ascribe protective qualities to parsley, using it to ward off negative influences or energies. It may be included in rituals or talismans for protection against harm.
Grounding:
Parsley is thought to have grounding properties, helping to anchor and stabilize one’s energy. This can be beneficial for individuals who feel scattered or unbalanced.
Vitality:
Due to its vibrant green color and nutritious properties, parsley is associated with vitality and rejuvenation. It is believed to energize the body and promote overall well-being.
Spiritual Connection:
In certain belief systems, parsley is considered a sacred herb that enhances spiritual connection and intuition. It may be used in rituals or meditation practices to facilitate deeper states of awareness.
Emotional Balance:
Some practitioners believe that parsley can help balance emotions and soothe the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and equilibrium.
Manifestation:
In manifestation rituals or spells, parsley may be used to amplify intentions and bring about desired outcomes. It is believed to enhance the manifestation process by aligning one’s energy with their goals.
SPIRITUAL
Purification:
Parsley is believed to have purifying properties, both physically and spiritually. It is often used in rituals or ceremonies to cleanse spaces, objects, or individuals of negative energies or influences.
Protection:
Parsley is associated with protection in many spiritual traditions. It may be used to create protective barriers or wards against harm, negativity, or malevolent forces.
Spiritual Connection:
Some believe that parsley can enhance spiritual connection and intuition. It may be used in meditation, prayer, or rituals to deepen one’s connection to the divine or higher consciousness.
Renewal and Rebirth:
Due to its vibrant green color and association with springtime, parsley is often linked to themes of renewal, growth, and rebirth. It may be used in rituals or celebrations to mark new beginnings or transitions.
Ancestral Connection:
In certain cultures, parsley is believed to have connections to ancestral spirits or the spirit world. It may be used in rituals or offerings to honor and communicate with ancestors.
Healing:
Parsley is sometimes associated with healing on a spiritual level, helping to restore balance and harmony to the spiritual body. It may be used in rituals or ceremonies aimed at promoting spiritual well-being and vitality.
Manifestation:
Parsley may be used in manifestation rituals or spells to amplify intentions and attract desired outcomes. It is believed to enhance the manifestation process by aligning one’s energy with their goals.
Planetary
Mercury:
Parsley is often linked to Mercury due to its vibrant green color, delicate leaves, and association with communication, intellect, and quicksilver energy. Mercury is associated with attributes such as mental agility, versatility, and adaptability, which align with the qualities of parsley.
Communication:
Mercury is the planet associated with communication, language, and intellect. Parsley’s association with Mercury may be related to its historical use as a garnish or breath freshener, which enhances verbal communication and social interaction.
Healing:
Mercury is also associated with healing and medicine in some traditions, particularly in its role as a messenger of the gods and a facilitator of transitions. Parsley’s use in traditional medicine and its reputation for cleansing and purifying properties may align with Mercury’s healing associations.
Magical Correspondences:
In magical practices, parsley is sometimes used in rituals or spells related to communication, mental clarity, travel, and commerce, which are all associated with Mercury’s influence.
Application Instructions:
Compress- C
Add 5-6 drops to a bowl of warm water. Dip a piece of cotton material, flannel material, or a paper towel into the water and then apply to the affected area. Do not use oils that are caustic or sensitizing (ex: cinnamon, cassia, oregano, thyme, savory, etc.). This can be done with hot or cold water. Cold water would best be used for inflamed areas or acute injuries (ex:sprained ankle in the first 48 hours).
This method has a direct impact on the skin, circulatory function in the area, and is soothing to the nerves. A sock filled with rice can be warmed in the microwave and placed over the warm compress. The use of a heating pad or intense heat should not be combined with the application of essential oils to the body.
Inhalation, sustained- SI
This method is done by inhaling essential oils directly from the bottle with long, slow, deep breaths. This can be done for several breathing cycles. The use of a nasal inhaler is more effective if you have access or you can roll up small pieces of a papertowel ( apply a few drops of oil to the paper towel which has been rolled up to create a cylinder and insert partially to the nostril). Sustained inhalation is a very effective method for applying essential oils.
Liniment- LT
Add 10- 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of alcohol and apply to the affected area. Do not use oils that are caustic or sensitizing. The use of rubbing alcohol is fine but vodka is a much better carrier for this application. If sensitivities occur reduce the amount of essential oil or discontinue use. Shake well before every application.
Massage- M
Add 5-8 drops of essential oil per ounce of massage oil (almond, sesame, olive, etc.). Shake well before application. Do not use oils that are caustic or sensitizing.
Ointment- O
Add 20-25 drops of essential oil to a carrier oil (massage oil) and apply to a specific area. This should not be used as a massage oil due to it’s potency. Do not use caustic or sensitizing oils for this method.
Salt Bath- SB
Add 6- 12 drops of essential oil to a warm bath with a pound of salt and soak for 15-20 minutes. Do not use oils that are caustic or sensitizing. The pores of the skin dilate due to the hot water so oils that are not usually sensitizing can become sensitizing in this application (ex: tea tree, clementine, elemi, etc.). If you start to feel a burning sensation it is best to get out of the bath.
Check out these Parsely videos with Greg talking about Parsley,