parsley

Parsley is the common name of Petroselinum crispum, an herb native to the Mediterranean region. Parsley leaves, seeds, and roots have traditionally been used as herbal medicine to treat urinary tract disorders and infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, constipation, and many other conditions, however, there are no scientific studies to back most of its uses. Parsley leaves look similar to cilantro and are likewise used to flavor food. Parsley essential oil is used as fragrance in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetics.

Parsley is believed to promote urination, improve digestion, relieve menstrual symptoms, and increase menstrual flow. The therapeutic effects of parsley may be from its bioactive components including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and volatile oils such as myristicin and apiol, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties. In addition, parsley is also a rich source of fiber and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals including iron, zinc, phosphorous, and copper.

The suggested uses of parsley include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney and bladder stones
• Prostate conditions
• Fluid retention and edema
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Gas (flatulence)
• Colic
• Jaundice
• Anemia
• Cough
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Spleen conditions
• Osteoarthritis

• Do not take parsley for water retention if it is due to heart or kidney condition, or if you have kidney inflammation.
• Do not take parsley if you are pregnant, it might cause miscarriage.
• Do not use the parsley essential oil for medicinal purposes, it is too toxic.
• High doses can cause uterine, bladder and intestinal contractions. Do not exceed recommended doses.
• Topical use of parsley oil may cause skin rash and photosensitivity.
• Parsley may slow down the blood clotting process. Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder, it can increase the risk for bleeding.
• Parsley may reduce blood sugar levels. Use with caution if you have diabetes and are taking antidiabetic medications.
• Stop use of parsley at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. It may increase bleeding risk and also interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.

There are no reported side effects with recommended doses of parsley. Prolonged use of large doses of parsley can cause side effects that include:

• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney toxicity
• Allergic reaction (topical use)
• Skin photosensitivity (topical use)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There isn’t enough scientific information on appropriate doses of parsley, follow instructions on product labels.

Suggested dosing:

Parsley

• 6 g/day orally

Adult:

• Essential oil should not be used because of toxicity
• Potency of commercial preparations may vary, follow manufacturer’s directions

Administration

• When using as a diuretic, drink plenty of fluid

Overdose

• Overdose of parsley supplements can cause anemia, and liver and kidney damage. Overdose treatment may include discontinuation of parsley and symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Parsley has no known severe or serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of parsley include:
  • warfarin
  • diuretics
  • anti-diabetes drugs
  • pentobarbital
  • medications metabolized by the liver
  • anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs
  • sirolimus
• Mild interactions of parsley include:
  • aspirin

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Consuming small amounts of parsley used as condiment in food is likely safe during pregnancy. Medicinal use of parsley supplements may cause miscarriage and fetal harm. Avoid taking parsley supplements if you are pregnant.
• Parsley consumed as food is likely safe while breastfeeding. There isn’t any reliable information on medical use of parsley in nursing mothers. Avoid use of parsley supplements if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take any herbal supplements without first checking with your physician, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Parsley is likely safe for most people if consumed in amounts normally found in food. Parsley supplements taken orally in recommended doses are likely safe for most adults for a short period.
• Use parsley supplements exactly as per label instructions. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement, including parsley, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are on any regular medication.
• Herbal products often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the parsley product you choose.
• Parsley is marketed as an herbal supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store parsley supplements safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.