The celery is a plant that grows mainly in the wild but it also can be found in the gardens as a cultivated plant. Wet areas are adequate for it and it can be found in every part of Europe, but in other continents as well. It is a bi-annual herb with dark green and glossy leaves. Its stalk is branched and it reaches 40-80 cm height.
The wild celery is not used in medicinal purposes because it is considered to be poisonous. The cultivated one is extremely healing and healthy. Its leaves and root have beneficial effect on the whole body in general. The root and the leaves have the same nutritional value and that is why both of them are equally used.
The celery is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential oils. It also contains sugar, fat, pentosan, colin, tyrosine and asparagines. We are all familiar with the fact that it stimulates the metabolism in the body.
It has high nutritional value because of the huge amount of minerals it contains. 100grams of celery contain 55mg calcium; 98mg sodium; 291mg potassium; 25mg magnesium and 40 mg phosphorus. The same 100grams of celery (both root and leaves) have a small energy value- 14kcal or 59 kJ (2.97% carbohydrates, 0.17% fat and 0.69% protein).
Additionally, the celery is a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals and especially of vitamin K- 29.3 μg, providing 29% of the recommended daily intake. Apart from vitamin K, it also contains vitamin C, all B vitamins, Vitamin E and carotene.
We mainly use the sweet thick celery root for making stews, soups or as a spice for them. The leaves have strong aromatic smell and they also can be used as a spice. Even after they dry, they still retain the strong smell.
The health benefits of the celery:
Due to the many healthy substances and nutrients it contains, the celery is considered to be extremely healthy and healing herb. Its root and seeds are used for treating loss of appetite, cough, fatigue and mild forms of stress and anxiety. It can be used for treating indigestion and diseases related to intestines and the stomach. Additionally, the celery is beneficial for patients suffering from diabetes.
It has a very similar diuretic effect to the one of the parsley. Because of that effect, in can be used for treating urinary tract infections, rheumatism, kidney and bladder sand and stones, gout, arthritis, nerve diseases, asthma, lung inflammation, cellulite and excessive body weight. If consumed regularly it can act as prevention against these diseases.
The celery can also be very effective for treating some swellings caused by cardiovascular diseases because it stimulates the kidney function and helps the body get rid of excess of fluid.
As mentioned above, it is highly recommended for diabetics because it helps regulating blood sugar levels. Apart from this, it controls the high blood pressure, effectively treats liver and gallbladder diseases and removes toxins from the body. Because of the fact that it eliminates toxins, it cleans teeth from bacteria, improves blood circulation and it acts as a natural body cleanser- usually used for body detoxification.
People who are suffering from some kidney disease should know that celery can be very beneficial for them. They should drink fresh celery leaves juice and they can add honey if they don’t find it tasty or just want to sweeten it a bit.
Finally, the celery tea can be used for treating rheumatism: Boil 40 grams of celery leaves in one liter of water. Cover the tea and cook for a few minutes. Strain the celery tea and drink it warm several times a day. It is recommended to consume it in a period of few weeks.
