Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) is a bright green biennial herb. It is often used as spice. Parsley is used for its leaf in much the same way as coriander (which is also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro), although parsley has a milder flavor. It is a very important and common medicinal plant.
Parsley can be used as a medieval cure for stomach ailments. Tea may be used as an enema. Parsley tea can help to control high blood pressure and the Cherokees used it as a tonic to strengthen the bladder
It is also often used as an emmenagogue. Parsley also appears to increase diuresis by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in the kidney, thereby enhancing sodium and water excretion while increasing potassium reabsorption. It is also valued as an aquaretic. When crushed and rubbed on the skin, parsley can reduce itching in mosquito bites. When chewed, parsley can freshen bad breath.
