How to brew parsley as a diuretic
In folk medicine, parsley greens, roots and seeds are used as a means to remove excess fluid from the body. Decoctions with diuretic properties are prepared from the plant. They are used to improve the condition of cystitis, urolithiasis, jaundice, dropsy, arthritis. The properties of greens to accelerate fat metabolism and break down fat cells, improve metabolism and relieve swelling are used for weight loss.
From this article you will learn whether parsley is really used as a diuretic and how to brew its roots, leaves and seeds.
Beneficial properties of parsley
The chemical composition of parsley is presented B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamins K, H and PP, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, fluorine, chromium, iodine, sulfur. Regular consumption of greens replenishes vitamin and mineral reserves and supports the functioning of the body as a whole.
Reference. 100 g of parsley contains 950 mcg of vitamin A, with the daily requirement being 900 mcg.
Beneficial features:
- thinning effect - removal of viscous sputum from the lungs and bronchi, alleviation of chronic respiratory diseases;
- immunomodulatory effect - increasing the body's defenses during seasonal epidemics;
- antiseptic effect - suppression of pathogenic microflora;
- normalization of sugar levels and prevention of diabetes;
- regulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- decreased stomach acidity;
- acceleration of carbohydrate and fat metabolism;
- elimination of symptoms of allergic rhinitis;
- eliminating bad breath;
- healing of small wounds in the oral cavity;
- regulation of sebum secretion;
- calming effect on the central nervous system and normalization of sleep;
- strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle;
- increased hemoglobin;
- removal of sand and small stones;
- increased potency and libido;
- normalization of metabolism;
- removal of edema.
Just 50 g of greens per day can stop development prostate adenoma, increase reproductive function, restore hormonal levels, reduce the level of female hormones in men.
Parsley quickly relieves hangover – removes the breakdown products of ethyl alcohol.
Parsley is useful and for the female half of the population. Decoctions and infusions of leaves and seeds reduce pain during menstruation, the frequency of hot flashes during menopause, improve the psycho-emotional state, and reduce muscle tension.
Folic acid is useful during planning and pregnancy. It ensures the proper development of the fetal neural tube.
Diuretic properties
Is parsley a diuretic or not? The results of studies conducted on rats were published in the journal Ethnopharmacology of the International Society of Ethnopharmacology in 2002. The subjects drank tea made from parsley seeds, and the scientists controlled the volume of urine excreted. The results showed that the volume of urine produced over a 24-hour period doubled.
How it works? Parsley regulates the circulation of potassium in the body, acting as a pump – extracts sodium and potassium ions. This leads to the accumulation of water in the kidneys and, as a result, to a diuretic effect.
Attention! It is important not to take parsley at the same time as diuretics containing lithium to minimize the risk of dizziness and lower blood pressure.
Parsley contains 800 mg of potassium. This is enough to reduce the likelihood of a side effect in the form of a decrease in the level of this macronutrient, characteristic of other diuretics.
Use of parsley as a diuretic
The diuretic effect of parsley is used primarily to relieve tissue swelling.
The reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon:
- diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver;
- taking medications to normalize high blood pressure (Amprilan, Felodip, Coronal, etc.);
- consumption of large amounts of fried, salted, pickled and smoked foods, products made from white flour, sweet carbonated water, white refined sugar, foods with preservatives, fatty dairy products, alcohol;
- insufficient water consumption, especially in summer;
- poor diet and lack of physical activity;
- heat;
- standing or sitting work;
- pregnancy;
- uncomfortable shoes;
- taking certain birth control pills;
- metabolic disorder.
The diuretic properties of parsley are useful for:
- diseases of the urinary system – cystitis, urolithiasis;
- jaundice;
- dropsy;
- arthritis.
Nutritionists advise drinking parsley drinks for weight loss. They reduce cravings for sweets, suppress appetite, remove excess water, accelerate the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, and stimulate metabolism.
In just 7-10 days of taking green smoothies, decoctions or fresh juices in combination with minimal physical activity and nutrition control, it is possible to reduce weight by 2-3 kg without exhausting diets.
What else is the plant used for?
Juice, infusion and decoction of parsley are used in home cosmetology For:
- lightening of freckles and age spots that occur in women with age and during pregnancy;
- reducing redness and fine wrinkles;
- eliminate acne;
- increasing skin elasticity in the eye area;
- lightening tooth enamel.
Use in folk medicine:
- improving vision and reducing the risk of developing retinal dystrophy;
- normalization of digestive function;
- reduction of itching after insect bites;
- reduction of tissue swelling due to bruises;
- improvement of bile outflow;
- treatment of prostatitis;
- normalization of the menstrual cycle.
How to brew parsley
Diuretic drinks are prepared from all parts of the plant – greens, roots and seeds. We will tell you how to prepare decoctions further.
Seed decoction recipes
Parsley seeds contain essential oil that helps improve urine excretion. To prepare the decoction, take 1 tsp. ground seeds and 250 ml of boiling water. The raw materials are poured with hot water, brought to a boil and left in a thermos for 8-10 hours. The decoction is taken according to the following scheme: 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2 weeks.
A decoction of their seeds, dried roots and parsley is highly effective.. For 200 ml of water take 2 tbsp. l. ingredients, place the container on low heat and boil for 2-3 minutes. The drink is infused for 40-60 minutes and consumed in the same way as a decoction of seeds.
Leaves
To prepare a decoction of greens, take 100 g of fresh raw materials and 1 liter of clean water.. Place an enamel pan with water on the fire, bring to a boil, add finely chopped herbs, bring to a boil again and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the container from the stove, cover with a lid, wrap it in a towel and leave for 30-40 minutes.Then the liquid is filtered through a sieve or cheesecloth into a glass jar. Dosage regimen: 100 ml three times a day for 5-7 days.
To prepare a decoction for weight loss, take 50 g of fresh parsley root and pour 1 liter of water. The liquid is boiled over low heat for 5-7 minutes, filtered and cooled at room temperature. Dosage regimen: 200 ml 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2-4 weeks.
Advice. Add lemon, lime, chamomile, mint, ginger, or mint to your infusions to enhance the flavor.
Roots
Diuretic decoctions of parsley are prepared not only with water, but also with milk. Place 250 g of crushed dried roots in an enamel bowl and pour in 250 ml of low-fat milk. Place the container on low heat and cook until the volume of liquid is reduced by half. The broth is left to cool at room temperature and filtered through cheesecloth. Dosage regimen: 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2 weeks.
Harm and contraindications
Short-term use of parsley decoctions (2-4 weeks) is safe for healthy people.
However such drinks have contraindications:
- allergies to parsley, dill, caraway seeds, celery;
- the presence of large kidney stones (washing them out leads to blockage of the ureter and severe pain);
- pregnancy in the first trimester due to an increased risk of rejection of the fertilized egg;
- decreased blood clotting;
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- epilepsy.
With prolonged use there are nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, rapid weight loss.
Conclusion
Is parsley a diuretic? The plant has long been known for its diuretic properties. It is still successfully used in modern and alternative medicine.Decoctions of leaves, seeds and roots eliminate fluid retention resulting from poor diet and water intake, lack of physical activity, increased outdoor temperature, pregnancy, wearing uncomfortable shoes, taking birth control pills or medications to lower blood pressure. Drinks are effective for metabolic disorders and slight excess body weight.
Compliance with the dosage regimen and dosage regimen, and prior consultation with a doctor will minimize the occurrence of side effects.