Celery is a vegetable native to Europe and Asia, and grows wild throughout Great Britain, according to the Herbs 2000 website. However, celery is also now cultivated in the United States and other temperate areas around the world. This vegetable produces seeds that may have several effects on the human body.
Check with your doctor before consuming celery seeds for any medicinal or healing purpose.
Diuretic
Celery seeds have diuretic properties, which means that they stimulate the removal of fluids from your body through urine. This may help eliminate excess water weight in your body. The diuretic effects of celery seed may also help control levels of uric acid in your body, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." High levels of uric acid can contribute to gout, a painful arthritis-related condition that affects the joints of your big toes.
Blood Glucose Management
The chemical compounds in celery seeds may help lower glucose levels in your bloodstream, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." High blood glucose is toxic to your body, and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea and lethargy. Glucose management is particularly important for diabetics, whose bodies do not produce or use enough insulin to control these sugars.
Sedative
Celery seeds contain chemicals called phthalides that may have a sedative effects. These chemicals may be useful for treating anxiety and insomnia, according to Castleman. However, studies have only been conducted on animals, so the sedative effect on humans is not known.
Risks
Because celery seed is a diuretic, it may cause dehydration. It may also deplete your body's reserves of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain proper blood pressure and heart rate, according to Balch. The FDA considers celery seed non-toxic and generally safe; however, taking this herb may occasionally cause side effects such as diarrhea and stomach pains.
References
- Herbs 2000: Celery
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs;" Michael Castleman; 2010
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