Parts Most Frequently Used: Stalks, Leafs, Root, Seeds

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Pungent, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Cool, Aromatic

Caution: Extremely safe. Some very few can have an allergic reaction to celery and as celery is a diuretic, be aware if you are suffering from extremely low blood pressure as large doses could leave you feeling faint.

History/Folklore: Celery was used by the Ancient Greeks to make wine. They also valued it for its aphrodisiac and medicinal properties. The Romans used celery leaves to make their “Winner’s Crowns.”  They also used it to cure a hangover, some folks say that is the reason a celery stick is included in the popular “Blood Mary” beverage. The plant’s high water content, sodium, potassium and vitamin C would all contribute to easing a morning after hangover.

The fruit and seeds can be dried or pressed into oil. This volatile oil can be used as a medicine and as an ingredient in perfumes. The roots and seeds have been used for centuries as a natural diuretic, helping to rid the body of toxins and increase urine output. It has a long history of tonifing the kidneys.

To prepare an infusion use four spoonfuls of celery powder in 1 liter of boiling water. Once boiled, pass the liquid through a sieve. One cup a day can be used for hoarseness, intestinal gas or for its diuretic/laxative properties. An infusion of 2 spoonfuls of grained celery will stimulate the nervous system. A glass of cold water with a spoonful of grained celery root left to macerate is a good mixture for treating anorexia.

The natural organic sodium in celery is very safe for consumption and is, in fact, essential to the body. Many who are sensitive to regular table salt can use celery powder as a safe alternative.

Celery provides many of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce itself.

One cup of chopped celery has only 19 calories AND it takes more calories to chew and eat a stick of celery then the stick contains!!

Due to celery’s highly stabilizing compounds, in particular, phtyalides, the Chinese use it in particular to treat high blood pressure. They also consider celery a wonderful Qi (Energy) building and tonic vegetable and herb.

If celery has wilted a bit, simply sprinkle it with water, wrap in paper towel and replace in the refrigerator for a few hours.

While many foods loose their nutritional qualities during cooking, celery experiences only a very slight minimal loss.