Celery (Qin Cai)

Botanical Name: Apium graveolens

Celery stimulates the nervous system and mineralizes the body. Because celery is both a diuretic and depurative it makes it a perfect ingredient for weight-loss programs. 3 glasses of celery juice a day are excellent for treating rheumatism, allergies, stomach disorders, detoxifying, and as an all-round aphrodisiac. Celery has an alkalizing effect on the body, which can help counteract the degenerative effects of the too acid diet many eat today. The high silicon levels in celery help renew joints, bone, arteries and connective tissues. Celery is one of the few vegetables that combines well with fruit making it an easy addition to fruit dishes, salads and juices. Celery builds energy, cleanses, calms you and tastes good too!

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of celery, combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of celery.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Stalk, Leaf, Root, Seeds

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Pungent, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Slightly Salty, 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.

Key Constituents: Flavonoids, Luteolin, 3-n-butylphtalide (BuPh), Phtyalides, Polyacetylene, Androsterone, Volatile oil, Apiol, Silicon, Phthalides, Coumarins, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Zinc.

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 tonifying 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 is full of stabilizing phytalide compounds, which are known for lowering blood pressure. It is in fact, traditionally used in Oriental Medicine to treat high blood pressure as well as recognized for supporting digestion, helping to build Qi, and tonify Kidney function.

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

Celery can help reduce uric acid and stimulate urine production, which is useful in fighting bacterial infections within the digestive tract or reproductive organs.

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!!

Eating celery can increase the pheromone adrosterone, which is a natural aphrodisiac found in male perspiration. It also contains compounds that help to dilate blood vessels, increase sex drive, and enhance climax.

The compound luteolin, found in celery helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage. Celery and celery juice can help clear up acne and psoriasis.

The polyacetylenes found in celery contain chemo-protective compounds that help to reduce the toxicity while boosting immunity. They also help to slow the growth of mutated cells.

If the celery has wilted a bit, simply sprinkle it with water, wrap it in a paper towel, and replace in the refrigerator for a few hours. Wash celery well, commercial, non-organic, celery is one of them most pesticide-laden crops available. Home grown garden celery is better tasting and less chemically-laden.

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