That sprig of parsley on your dinner plate has a huge number of uses, surprisingly.  Primarily used as a diuretic today, it helps with kidney and bladder issues.  Also, it can help strengthen the digestive system and dispel liver and stomach problems.   It can be used to ease bloating, stomach cramps and nausea,  and regulate menstrual cycles.  There has been some information that shows that parsley can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, making it help with some heart conditions.  It may help with kidney stones.  Also, parsley can freshen your breath, the number one reason it’s placed on dinner plates across the nation.

What is in parsley that makes it so useful?

• Iron
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Essential oils, including apiole, a kidney stimulant

Hints for the use of parsley:

• Don’t cook it - chop and add it just before serving hot dishes
• Dried parsley looks and tastes rather gross.
• Italian parsley (has flat leaves) has a better flavor and is higher in nutrients
• Fresh parsley?  Freeze it rather than drying it
• Keep it fresh? Dust parsley with water, wrap it in paper towels and place in a plastic bag.  Much like fresh cut flowers, fresh parsley needs water to stay fresh.  You can also place the parsley in a vase and refrigerate (like a fresh bouquet)