Celery seed Apium graveolens

Celery seed Apium graveolens

O R I G I N A N D C U LT I VAT I O N Celery is a well known vegetable that has been cultivated for a long time, although wild forms are still found growing in moist places near the sea in Europe and Asia.

P L A N T   D E S C R I P T I O N
The plant is a biennial, producing in its second year a tall flowering stem with terminal and axillary umbels of small, greenish white flowers, which develop into grey brownridged ‘seeds’ (botanically speaking, the fruits),
1.5 mm in length. Celery, both the whole plant and the seeds alone, have been used in herbal medicine.
This entry concerns only the seed.

C U L I N A R Y   A N D   N U T R I T I O N A L   VA L U E
The seeds may be used as a flavouring and in celery salt. Essential oil produced from the seed may be included as a flavouring in many food categories, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

C L A I M S   A N D   F O L K L O R E
Late in the nineteenth century, various tonics were produced containing the juice of crushed celery seeds plus, very often, alcohol. Many claims have been made for the efficacy of celery seed as a diuretic (bladder and kidney complaints), sedative, carminative, and emmenagogue. It is also said to be useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism, and to have other uses, too.

E V I D E N C E
Chemical analysis has revealed a considerable number of constituents in the seed. The essential oil contains
limonene, selenine, phthalide compounds, and other substances. Although some animal experiments have been carried out, there is little evidence for its suggested therapeutic value.
The drug may cause dermatitis or allergies. It should be used with caution during pregnancy. The oil contains irritant substances, and, if used as a diuretic, might affect the urinogenital system. It is not supported in Germany.