Parsley Essential Oil benefits includes having astringent qualities, relieving flatulence, promoting blood cleansing, lowering blood pressure, promoting digestion, and regulating menstruation. Other benefits includes managing gout and inflammation, improving bowel movements, inhibits bacterial growth, improves skin health, promote hair growth, improve erections and libido, and treat respiratory disorders.
What is Parsley Essential Oil
Parsley essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the roots, leaves and seeds of the Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) plant, which is popularly added as a flavoring agent to dishes. It is native to the Mediterranean region, though its cultivation has today spread worldwide. Parsley essential oil is used for a myriad of its benefits, many of which are the same as parsley leaves themselves.
13 Amazing Benefits of Parsley Essential Oil
1. Has Astringent Properties
Astringents induce contractions (shrinkage) in the smooth muscles and various tissues throughout the body, with effects that are either localized or affecting the entire body (systemic). Parsley essential oil may effectively act as an astringent, inducing contractions in different areas of the body including the gum, skin and intestines. When regularly used, the parsley essential oil may help hold the teeth firmly to the gums, attach the hair strands to the hair roots and provide structural toughness to the skin. This is why astringents are used often in products to treat acne or hemorrhoids, as their contract (or shrink) cells.
2. Relieve Flatulence
Flatulence is the release of excess gas that accumulates in the stomach or intestines, as a result of food metabolism or as byproducts from bacteria.
There are several causes of excess gas, including swallowing air, acid indigestion or intolerance to certain foods, but regardless of the cause, it is equally embarrassing to pass some foul smelling gas as flatulence. Parsley essential oil may be the best way to relieve flatulence since it is effective in helping with elimination of excess gas, as well as assisting in synthesis of enzyme that can help in digestion of troublesome food material. It also tends to be far safer than prescription medication, and considering its ability to promote enzyme secretion, superior as well.
3. Promote Blood Cleansing
The blood helps carry nutrients around the body, necessitating it having to be high quality and free of toxins and metabolic byproducts. Accumulation of waste in the body and blood could lead to organs and systems performing poorly, or shutting down altogether in severe cases. Parsley essential oil is a natural remedy that may help purify the blood, supplementing the liver by removing toxic substances and increasing the level of oxygen reaching the cells where it is needed. Thus, parsley essential oil could be considered a pro-circulatory agent.
High blood pressure or hypertension is a very common health problem that occurs when there is excessive force of the blood up against the walls of the arteries. If left unattended to, this pressure could damage the arterial walls, organs and cause stroke and heart attacks. Parsley essential oil may help lower blood pressure without having an adverse effect when used long term. It helps dilate the blood vessels, reduce inflammation in the arteries and increase blood flow so that some pressure is taken off the arterial walls and blood pressure is ultimately lowered (greater blood vessel lumen space equates to reduced pressure).
5. Promotes Digestion
Chemical and mechanical digestion is necessary for food to be broken down so nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the body. However, when there is any inhibition in the digestive process, nutrients do not reach their destination because the body can no longer break down food particles, and a number of health-related problems may result due to deficiency of critical nutrients. Parsley essential oil may improve the process of digestion by promoting secretion of the digestive juices necessary for the breakdown of food particles, so that more of what you consume is used by the body.
6. Helps Regulate Menstruation
Irregularities in the menstrual cycle may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, weight gain or hormonal imbalances. Parsley essential oil may promote regular menstruation by helping to produce contractions in the muscles of the uterus, as well as helping to optimize hormone levels during this time. It may also be effective since it can enhance the secretion of estrogen and is useful in treating abdominal cramps or pain and fatigue that are commonly associated with menstruation and keeps health in an overall good state.
7. Manages Gout And Inflammation
Uric acid is produced when purines are broken down, and are usually removed from the blood by the kidneys. When uric acid accumulates around the joints, the kidneys are unable to eliminate it, and a condition called gout develops. Parsley essential oil may help reduce inflammatio in the joints as well as decrease the concentration of uric acid in the body. It may also be effective as a diuretic for increasing fluid output so the excess uric acid and other toxins are speedily excreted.
8. Improves Bowel Movements
Constipation is not only uncomfortable, but can also be very painful and even dangerous. Parsley essential oil may help clear the bowels and provide relief for individuals who suffer from constipation. It is effective in enhancing bowel movement by acting as a natural laxative to loosen stools and increase the peristaltic movement of stool along the colon. It may also stimulate contraction of the muscles of the intestines so peristaltic waves occur in the intestinal lining that help push waste matter further along the journey out of the body.
9. Inhibits Bacterial Growth
Bacteria are everywhere around us, making it impractical to totally avoid them. While many of them are harmless to us, those found in environments such as hospitals are highly pathogenic and are a danger to health and they can initiate an attack on the body. When the immune system, they multiply and cause an infection or even damage the cells they invade to cause diseases. Parsley essential oil may be one way to naturally eliminate these pathogenic organisms since they contain ingredients that are toxic to them, allowing it to be able to stop their replication and treat any infection that may result.
10. Improves Appearance Of The Skin
Discolorations of the top layer of the skin can result from overproduction of melanin, the skin’s natural pigment and can be associated with a number of causes, including constant exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. To help eliminate uneven skin discoloration, parsley essential oil can be used since it contains antioxidants that help reduce the effect of oxidative stress on the skin. Regular application also helps to reduce appearance of these blemishes, and can even out skin pigmentation and complexion.
11. Promotes Hair Growth
When parsley essential oil is massaged onto the scalp, blood circulation is enhanced to that area, which helps to promote hair growth. It may be applied as a conditioner or in a shampoo when mixed with a carrier oil and may help get rid of dandruff, maintain the original color of the hair and prevent subsequent hair loss.
12. Improved Erections And Libido
A decreased sexual drive is frustrating; however parsley essential oil may be able to help. Thanks to its benefits on improving blood flow, it serves as an effective substitute to many prescription and unsafe male enhancement products. It can also be used daily to improve overall circulatory health.
13. Helps Treat Respiratory Disorders
Parsley essential oil may be effective as an expectorant to help expel mucus (after increasing its fluid content) from the airways and bronchi, and may help treat associated coughs and colds along other respiratory conditions that cause discomfort and making breathing difficult.