Why parsley was banned in Russia: are there any narcotic substances in the plant?

Parsley is one of the most popular spices. Despite its widespread use in cooking, recently curly parsley, or rather, its seeds, are considered plants containing narcotic substances.

Is it true that the garden plant contains narcotic components, and is there any benefit from parsley - we will tell you further.

Description of the plant: chemical composition, trace elements and vitamins of curly parsley

Let us immediately reassure our readers: no one prohibits eating the plant and growing parsley in the garden for food purposes. The decree deals exclusively with the specific use of plant seeds.

Curly parsley appeared in the human diet already in the 6th century - residents of the Mediterranean coast, having discovered this plant, began to add it to dishes to improve the taste and aroma. However, at first people were attracted not by the unique taste of parsley, but by its original appearance and specific smell. Due to its unusual appearance, the plant began to be used as decoration - in flower beds, front gardens, parks, etc.

Parsley is popular not only because of its aromatic taste, but also because medicinal properties. This is explained by its rich composition:

• vitamins A, B (B1, B2 and B3), E, ​​PP;
• calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and potassium;
• carotene;
• ascorbic acid:
• organic acids;
• flavonoids;
• pectins;
• furocoumarins;
• phytoncides;
• essential oils.

Important! Per 100 g of greens there are two daily doses of vitamin A, which is responsible for the youth of the body and prevents premature aging.

Properties of curly parsley

The diverse chemical composition of greens has determined a wide range of its use due to its positive effect on the human body.

When consumed regularly, parsley:

• normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, eliminates constipation;
• improves the condition of the genitourinary system - greens are recommended for bladder disorders, liver and kidney diseases;
• normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, reduces fluid stagnation and solves the problem of cardiac edema;
• increases male libido, helps regulate the menstrual cycle in women;
• stimulates gastric secretion, reduces gas formation and increases appetite;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;
• relieves pain and spasms;
• removes waste and toxins from the body, helps with intoxication of the body;
• increases visual acuity;
• accelerates metabolic processes, eliminates excess weight.

The high content of ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system and stimulates the body's protective function in the fight against germs and viruses. In addition, parsley has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, sedative and choleretic effects.

Greens are widely used not only in folk medicine, but also in cosmetology. Parsley gets rid of freckles and age spots, fights acne, relieves puffiness under the eyes and fights bruises.

Varieties of curly parsley and their areas of application

Curly parsley is represented by several dozen varieties.

Among the most popular:

1. Kucheryavets. Frost-resistant, pest- and disease-resistant variety of curly greens.It has an average ripening period, is distinguished by large leaves, corrugated shape, and rich green color. Grows in voluminous bushes. Leaves and stems of the Kucheryavets variety are stored beneficial features and spicy aroma for a long time.
2. Mooskrause 2. The variety, bred in Germany, belongs to the category of mid-season plants. The herb is distinguished by its appearance - it has compact, slightly spreading, corrugated leaves of a rich green hue and a strong aroma. It is highly resistant to drought and disease, and can easily tolerate low temperatures.

These varieties are used as a seasoning and a base for preparing medicinal infusions.

Why did the plant become banned in Russia, and is it so?

In 2011, Rospotrebnadzor banned the use of parsley (or rather, its seeds) in Russia for the production of dietary supplements, including the plant in the list of products containing potent poisons and narcotic substances.

The reason is the content of certain substances in plant seeds that can be used to make drugs.

In total, the Rospotrebnadzor list includes more than 350 different plants grown in our country.

Attention! There is no ban on growing and eating curly parsley. We are talking only about preparing narcotic or any other drugs from seeds.

Is the plant recognized as a narcotic?

Parsley itself is not considered a drug, but its seeds can serve as raw materials for the production of oil, which is dangerous to human health.

It is hardly possible to achieve a narcotic effect by simply eating seeds - this will require a huge amount of them.Moreover, in addition to the curly plant, there are many other products on our table that contain substances with ambiguous properties. It is impossible to ban them all, and there is no point in doing so.

Important! Despite the fact that it is almost impossible to achieve a narcotic effect, you should still carefully monitor the dosage of parsley oil. Its excessive consumption can result in serious consequences, including death.

What should summer residents do and should they be afraid of the ban?

Despite the fact that curly parsley is partly prohibited, it has not disappeared from store shelves and summer cottages. And there’s nothing wrong with that - criminal liability is provided only if cultivation and the sale of parsley and its seeds is carried out for the purpose of manufacturing drugs.

Experts explain: the inclusion of parsley in the list of prohibited plants containing dangerous and toxic substances does not mean that it can no longer be grown in the garden for personal purposes or used for cooking. That's why ordinary summer residents who grow crops without a second thought have nothing to fear.

What could be the consequences?

If law enforcement agencies prove that parsley was grown for the extraction of narcotic substances from seeds, the violator will be charged with Article 228 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. According to this article, punishment is provided in the form of a fine, execution or imprisonment for up to three years.

It is not entirely clear how exactly one can prove the presence of malicious intent when growing greens. In any case, there are no precedents for “raids” on summer residents and bringing them to criminal liability.

This is interesting:

How to make parsley ice for your face.

How parsley helps with puffiness under the eyes and how it can be used.

How to distinguish cilantro from parsley.

Conclusion

The ban on parsley in Russia does not apply to summer residents and gardeners. Only curly seeds were included in the list of prohibited plants due to the possibility of using them as raw materials for drugs. In all other cases, ordinary summer residents and lovers of fragrant greens have nothing to fear.

Moreover, the composition of parsley, rich in vitamins and microelements, makes it an indispensable product for humans. Regular consumption of the plant has a beneficial effect on the body, helps with certain diseases and slows down the aging process.