Parsley is documented in many old herbals and was revered for its medicinal uses as well as for sacred and superstitious reasons. Master herbalist Dioscorides, who published De Materia Medica in 70AD, named parsley ‘rock celery’ because the undomesticated plant grew amongst rocks. The genus name comes from the Greek petros, meaning rock, and selinon, meaning celery. It has a long history of use in cooking as well as being popular as a digestive tonic, diuretic and general healing plant.

Parsley root has a particular affinity for the urinary tract. Like its close relative celery seed it is said to increase the elimination of uric and other acid metabolites and so it has a particular application for gouty, arthritic conditions. In his book, The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine, Simon Mills says: “…the root of the plant was seen as one of the best cleansers of the ‘liver, spleene and belly’, used for jaundice and general epigastric disorders.”

In the 1930s it was mentioned in the classic book A Modern Herbal, the first comprehensive encyclopaedia of herbs to appear since the days of Culpeper (1600s). The author Maude Grieve said a strong decoction of the root is of great service in gravel, stone, congestion of the kidneys, dropsy (oedema) and jaundice. She said a fluid extract of the root acts more readily on the kidneys than that from other parts of the herb. Culpepper himself said “Galen commended it against falling sickness, and to provoke urine mightily; especially if the roots be boiled, and eaten like parsnips.” Parsley was also considered a useful galactagogue stimulating both the amount and flow of breastmilk.

References

Quave, C.L. Quave Research Group Website. Version 11.0, April 2015. Petroselinum crispum (Mill.), Apiaceae  Ellen Chiang  [Internet]; 2015 [accessed Aug 26 2022]. Available from etnobotanica.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Plant-Monograph-Book-4.2013.pdf

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.473

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Penguin:London; 1980. p. 611-14

The ancient ruby red pomegranate has a deep association with the cultures of the Mediterranean region and Middle East where it is savoured as a delicacy and is an important dietary component, revered in symbolism and greatly appreciated for its medicinal properties. It has diverse cultural and religious significance and has been the subject of many historical and literary works. One of the best modern descriptions of pomegranate must be from Jill Dupleix, the Australian food writer, restaurant critic and cookbook author. In her monthly newsletter she says: “...it’s like adding sparkles to your food…Think of this gorgeous crimson fruit as a disco ball of goodness, glittering with antioxidants. For me, pomegranate triggers a rush to the head, with dancing visions of translucent jewels, exotic beauty and ancient cultures.” 

As Dupleix alluded to, pomegranate is a potent antioxidant. Pomegranate fruit peel is particularly rich in polyphenolic phytochemicals, including punicalagin, which has antioxidant capacity and is unrivalled and unique to pomegranate. It is most abundant in the fruit peel as opposed to the juicy seeds (arils) found within the fruit. The synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents appears to be superior to that of single constituents. In addition to being an antioxidant, pomegranate fruit peel also possesses anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, antimicrobial, gastroprotective and anticarcinogenic actions.

The explosion of interest in the numerous therapeutic properties of pomegranate over the last decade has led to much research. A 2021 systematic review, assessing 23 articles about pomegranate and osteoarthritis in human (five studies), animal and in vitro models, found that pomegranate improved clinical symptoms as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in osteoarthritis patients.

References

Dupleix J. 10 THINGS TO DO WITH A POMEGRANATE. Substack c2022. (updated 2 June 2022; accessed 21 July 2022). Available from https://jilldupleix.substack.com/p/10-things-to-do-with-a-pomegranate

Stover E, Mercure EW. The Pomegranate: A New Look at the Fruit of Paradise. HortScience. 2007;42:5: 1088.

HEC pomegranate monograph

Malek Mahdavi A, Javadivala Z. Systematic review of the effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on osteoarthritis. Health Promot Perspect. 2021 Dec 19;11(4):411-425. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2021.51. PMID: 35079584; PMCID: PMC8767078.

Versatile yarrow has many gifts and it is used for a wide range of issues, including acute injuries as well as chronic health challenges. It is one of the heroes of the hedgerows, like its fellow weeds dandelion, nettle and plantain, making it a forager’s favourite. Yarrow’s vulnerary properties mean it is widely regarded as one of the best wound care plants available. Not only can it arrest bleeding but its antimicrobial effect can assist in preventing the formation of abscesses. As a urinary tract antiseptic it is indicated in infections such as cystitis.

Yarrow may be used as the central ingredient in any fever management program including respiratory infections. It is a diaphoretic (works best when taken hot as an infusion or decoction) that can open up the peripheral circulation, helping to reduce unpleasant symptoms and keeping the body temperature from rising too high. The recently published herbal medicine textbook, Functional Herbal Therapy (2021), says diaphoretics promote sweating and “help facilitate a fever as a ‘slow burn’ (usually in the range of…37.8-38.9°C), ensuring that this important physiological response is supported but kept at a level that is comfortable, restorative, and not harmful to the person.” Yarrow’s effect on peripheral circulation also makes it useful for haemorrhoids and varicose veins, as well as for lowering moderately high blood pressure. 

Traditional Native Americans used yarrow as a digestive bitter that stimulates digestive function and has the ability to relieve gas and bloating. It also has a strong tradition in gynaecological conditions, particularly painful and heavy menstrual bleeding, where it relieves inflammation and congestion in the uterus without excessive spasm. 

References

Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester: Healing Arts Press. 2003. p. 523

de la Forêt R. Yarrow with Guido Masé. Podcast Season 4. Episode 9. Herbs with Rosalee (updated 15 Jun 2022; accessed Jun 15 2022). Available from https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast45.html

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.401-2

Bone K. Functional Herbal Therapy. Aeon Books:London. 2021. p.342

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.401-2q