Celery Seed Health Benefits and Remedies

What is Celery Seed?

Celery seeds are found in the flowers of the well-known celery plant (Apium graveolens). These small, tan to dark brown seeds possess a strong, pleasant aroma and are frequently used in South Asian cuisine as a spice and flavoring agent. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, celery seed is often referred to as Ajmoda or Ajamoda; however, it should not be confused with Ajwain (Carom), which is a different species entirely. Other names for the plant include Apii Frutus, Apio, Karmauli, and Celery Tuber. Celery seeds are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, antioxidants, polyacetylenes, coumarins, and essential phthalides such as d-limonene and selinene. They also contain linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and apiol. Notably, celery seed is a potent source of Apigenin, a natural flavonoid that acts as a neurogenesis stimulator in adults and shows promise in the treatment of various neurological diseases. Today, celery seed oil and its extracts remain vital ingredients in both the pharmaceutical and fine perfume industries.

What are the Health Benefits of Celery Seed?

Celery seed and its oil have been used for millennia in the treatment of many ailments. Modern science recognizes the seed for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and diuretic properties. It has been used to treat the following problems and conditions:

• Digestive Health: Dyspepsia, flatulence, and loss of appetite.
• Inflammation: Arthritis, gout, and muscle spasms.
• Circulation: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and water retention.
• Neurological Support: Insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness.
• Menstrual problems

Studies also show the effective use of the seed as a natural mosquito repellent.

Health Uses of Celery Seed

Indigestion

Celery Seed has been effectively used in relieving indigestion, upset stomach, bloating and flatulence. Simply taking 1/4 teaspoon of organic Celery Seed with water once daily may help resolve these stomach problems.

Natural Mosquito Repellent

Celery Seed oil can be used to repel mosquitoes. A clinical study showed that applying a gel containing 5%-25% celery extract kept mosquitoes away for about 4 hours. However, simply mixing a few drops of Celery Seed oil into your regular body lotion and applying it onto exposed areas of your skin before going out in the evening can also keep the mosquitoes away.

High Blood Pressure

Celery seed helps widen blood vessels and acts as a natural diuretic. A clinical study showed that taking 150 mg of celery seed extract daily significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Therefore, for mild to moderate hypertension, a daily dose of a standardized Celery Seed extract or incorporating one teaspoon of organic Celery Seeds into your diet may be beneficial. However, if you are already taking medication for hypertension, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking it.

Menstrual Discomfort and PMS

Celery Seed, its oil and its extract have been used for menstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and irregular menstrual cycles. Celery seed contains a compound called apiol, which supports the endocrine system. Research suggests that combining celery seed with saffron and anise extracts during the first three days of your period can significantly reduce cramps and the severity of PMS.

Weight Loss

Celery Seed tea is popular for weight loss as it helps boost your metabolism. A simple remedy is to boil 1 teaspoon of crushed organic Celery Seed in one cup of water for 15-20 minutes on low heat. Drinking a half cup of this tea twice daily along with a daily workout routine may help reduce weight significantly.

Anxiety

Aromatherapy using a combination of celery seed oil and sandalwood has shown to be very beneficial for treating anxiety, nervousness, mental stress and insomnia. The calming and soporific activity of Celery Seed oil may calm the anxious brain and help take you into a deep somniferous state. A great remedy is to take a warm bath with 10 drops of Celery Seed Oil mixed into the water while separately burning Celery Seed essential oil in an oil burner or aroma lamp for about an hour can soothe the body and mind and help with sleeplessness, anxiety and nervousness.

Arthritis, Gout, and Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic activity of celery seed helps in the treatment of arthritis, gout and painful muscles and joints. The diuretic action of celery seed helps the kidneys flush out excess uric acid, which is the primary cause of gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe painful, swollen joints. For Gout, brew a tea using 1 tablespoon of seeds in 1 cup of water, taken twice daily. For inflamed joints, muscle aches, or sciatica pain, taking a warm bath with 10 -15 drops of Celery Oil mixed in the bath water may help alleviate the pain. Celery Seed oil can also be mixed with a carrier oil in order to apply it directly onto inflamed joints or the lower back to relieve lower backache or Sciatica pain.

Side Effects of Celery Seeds

Celery Seed is designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used in moderation. While it typically does not cause adverse side effects in most people, celery allergies are relatively common. If you experience symptoms like itching, swelling, or hives, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician. It is also important to note that if you have a known allergy to birch, mugwort, wild carrot, or dandelion, you may experience a cross-reactive allergy to celery and should exercise extreme caution or avoid it entirely.

Celery Seed oil contains Bergapten, a compound that increases photosensitivity. Consequently, it is not recommended to use the essential oil topically before exposure to bright sunshine, as it may cause skin irritation or burning. Additionally, Celery Seed is not recommended for pregnant women. It contains Apiol, which acts as an abortifacient and can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage. Due to a lack of safety data regarding breastfeeding, it is also best to avoid therapeutic doses of Celery Seed products during lactation.

Therapeutic use of Celery Seed is not recommended if you have low blood pressure, or you are taking any type of blood thinners, diuretics and sedatives and/or taking medication for thyroid problems, sleep disorders, blood disorders, or kidney problems since it may interfere with the effects of these medications.

Where and How to Buy Celery Seed

Celery Seed is available in fresh, dried, and powdered form at many grocery and herbal food stores. It can also be found in capsule/tablet form, as an oil extract, and in juice form at specialty health stores or online.