Celery seed is one of the lesser-known herbs in Western herbal medicine. However, it has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world for a variety of reasons. During ancient times, Ayurvedic physicians (vaidyas) used celery seed to treat people with colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and certain ailments of the liver and spleen.

Today, celery seed is used primarily as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine. The diuretic action combined with the presence of anti-bacterial compounds in celery seed also make it useful in treating urinary tract infections. Laboratory studies have found that compounds in celery seed and its essential oil may also help reduce muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation. In fact, some experts claim that celery seed alleviates the pain associated with certain inflammatory health conditions such as arthritis and gout.

In addition, a few animal studies suggest that celery seed extracts may have activity to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well as protect the liver from damaging agents such as acetominophen (also called paracetamol; an over the counter medication for pain and headache that can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities.)

None of these claims, however, have not been studied in people to date or backed by rigorous scientific studies. So, further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of celery seed for the conditions described.

Preliminary animal studies have also found that celery seed helps prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in mice. In a study that included large numbers of people with and without colorectal cancer, researchers found that people who consumed a diet rich in lutein (from celery, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, carrots, and greens) were significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer. It is not clear, however, whether celery alone played an important role in the prevention of this disease and how the information about these whole foods relates to the extracts and isolates of celery seed.

The celery plant is slender and stands about two to three feet tall. It has three to five segmented leaves, and flowers with small white petals. Celery seeds, which are found in the flowers, are very small, tan to dark brown, and have a strong, pleasant smell.

Celery seeds contain several substances including volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins, and linoleic acid.

• Fresh or dried seeds
• Tablets
• Capsules filled with celery seed oil
• Celery seed extract, in which the active ingredients of celery seed have been extracted by alcohol or glycerin

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of celery seed. Therefore, it is not currently recommended for medicinal purposes in children.

Adult

Celery seed oil capsules or tablets: One to two capsules or tablets three times a day, as directed by your health care provider.

Celery seed extract: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp three times a day, or as directed by your health care provider. (Always take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed otherwise.)

Whole celery seeds: Prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over one teaspoon (1 to 3 g) of freshly crushed seeds. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking. Drink three times a day.

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

Pregnant women should not use celery seed because it may uterine bleeding and cause muscle contractions in the uterus.

People with active kidney inflammation should also avoid this herb.

Although uncommon, allergic reactions (even anaphylaxis) to celery seed may develop in people who handle or ingest celery. In fact, some individuals who are allergic to birch pollen may also be allergic to celery seed.

Active compounds in celery stems and seeds can cause the skin to become highly sensitive to UV rays (called photodermatitis). For this reason, people taking celery seed should use sunscreen or sunblock lotions to protect their skin from the sun.

Celery seeds should not be taken from a garden packet. Most seeds sold for these purposes have been treated with chemicals and should not be taken internally.

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between celery seed and conventional medications. However, given that celery seed is an herb with diuretic effects, people taking prescription diuretics (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide) should not take this herb without first consulting a healthcare provider.

Similarly, celery contains properties that may thin the blood, thus making it somewhat of a concern to take with blood thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin. If you take warfarin in particular you should not use celery seed without first consulting your healthcare provider.

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