All You Need to Know About the Celery Plant
The celery plant is widely spread in the northern regions of the world. It is part of the Apiaceae family and has become a familiar ingredient in modern cuisine. The celery that we use in the kitchen is actually very different from wild varieties. It grows one or more years in a row and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and shiny while the actual celery sticks are rather pale. The most characteristic feature of the plant is the 'ribs' all around the stick. The wild variety was probably cultivated in the Mediterranean region and prefers salty, wet and coastal areas to grow. It is not commonly used in the kitchen but it is in fact edible. In ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the wild celery plant was used for healing purposes. This tradition carried on throughout the Middle Age and Renaissance where celery was used as a remedy for various health conditions.
As we have seen, celery has been cultivated for many centuries in Asian and European regions and has gained popularity in salad recipes and as a side dish. It is even used to spice sauces and soups. Especially in China and India, the healing power of celery has been widely known since 500 BC. The roots and seeds of the celery plant were the primary source of remedy while the leaves were only a secondary option. The word 'celery' has its origin in the Latin word 'celeri' which means 'reacting quickly'. Thus, it is not only a source of vitamins and essential nutrition, but its healing effect also shows quick results. But how is the celery plant used in health terms?
The oils gained from the celery plant have a soothing and calming effect on our nervous system. Thus, they can be used as essential oil or aroma when you are going through a stressful period.
The seeds are used as a remedy for exhalations and are a reliable fighter against cramps and stomach discomfort. Celery also includes 8 powerful ingredients that fight cancer cells, for instance phthalate and polyacetylene. These agents actively destroy toxic substances that cause cancerous developments, especially those created through cigarette smoke.
Celery plants can be prepared in different ways to have healing effect. While it is possible to simply munch on celery sticks, there are also other ways that may be a little more interesting and exciting.
If you mix celery and carrot juices you create a drink that is very effective against neurological complaints of old age. The alkali ingredients in the celery plant are great remedies when it comes to diseases that were caused by an increased level of acids or toxins in the body, such as rheumatism or gout. However, in this case a liquid concentrated extract from the seeds will be much more effective than eating a raw celery stick.
The celery plant also has the power to lower high blood pressure and was frequently used in Vietnamese medicine. Three to four celery sticks a day can really make a difference if you are suffering from high blood pressure. As mentioned earlier, celery is also a natural remedy for indigestion or any malfunction concerning digestion. To make an effective digestion-boosting drink, put a tablespoon of celery seeds into buttermilk and let it soak for about 5-6 hours. After leaving it to soak, you can blend the mixture and drink it - your digestion problem will be gone in no time.
If you feel stressed and your concerns about something won't give you any rest, try to make your own stress-relief drink. It is very simple- all you do is mix celery juice with a teaspoon of honey and drink it before going to sleep. It will make you feel relaxed and aid a peaceful sleep. Finally, celery should be consumed by people who are very sensitive in the kidney area. If you frequently suffer from kidney stones you should drink a glass of celery juice regularly. It acts as a preventive remedy against kidney problems.