Since ancient times, parsley has been widely used and is still one of the oldest herbs known to man. Its seeds, roots and fresh leaves are used as a seasoning in cooking. This article will focus on cosmetic and medicinal effects that occur when using parsley oil, as well as recommendations on making an essential product at home.

Chemical composition

This spicy culture has a characteristic bright smell of leaves and roots. From the seeds of the plant, during the extraction process, an essential oil is obtained that is rich in flavonoids such as apiin, apigenin, crisisoriol and luteolin. Among the valuable natural components that are present in parsley oil are myristicin, apiol, limonene, eugenol, pinene, allotetramethoxybenzene and alpha-thuyen.

Also, the plant contains antioxidants, folic acid, vitamins K, C and A. In 1 g of dry greenery of this culture, approximately 6.0 μg of lycopene, 10.7 μg of alpha-carotene, 82.9 μg of lutein, zeaxanthin, 80.7 mcg beta carotene

Features of the essential product and its beneficial properties

Due to its beneficial properties, parsley oil is considered one of the valuable components of diet food. This tool is very convenient for use at home in order to maintain beauty and health. Parsley oil has a beneficial effect on health due to its wide action.

Did you know? According to an ancient Greek legend, parsley appeared in a place where the blood of the hero of Archemore spilled on the ground, who lost in a fight with snakes.

• Medicinal properties:
• Antibacterial. Where there are foci of accumulation of pathogenic microbes, infectious manifestations develop, and parsley oil perfectly eliminates them, since it contains ingredients that kill microbes and prevent their further development.
• Anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritis. These painful conditions are caused by the presence of a large amount of uric acid in the muscles and joints and impaired circulation in the body. The described product has properties that can solve these problems. First of all, it is the ability to detoxify, which is affected by its diuretic and stimulating properties.
• Antiseptic. Wounds can be infected by microorganisms. The danger increases if the wound is contaminated. Parsley oil, when applied to the affected area, destroys microbes and inhibits their development in the lesion.
• Astringent. Parsley essential oil can be used to strengthen the gums (thanks to which they will keep the teeth in a stable position), strengthen the skin and muscles, give them a healthy and youthful appearance. Also, the hair follicles are strengthened by preventing hair loss, and blood vessels.
• Carminative. Flatulence is directly related to health problems: indigestion, bloating, vomiting and nausea, pain in the stomach and chest, headaches, hypertension, and even the possibility of a heart attack. Parsley oil prevents excessive gas formation and contributes to their soft removal.
• Detoxification. The tool helps to eliminate toxins and other unwanted substances from the body with urine. This helps protect the body from many diseases (rheumatism, arthritis, boils, skin diseases) that develop as a result of the accumulation of toxins in the body.
• Digestive and diuretic. The spicy aroma of the product enhances the appetite and speeds up the digestive process due to increased secretion of gastric juice. The diuretic effect is complemented by the detoxifying properties of the drug. The frequency of urination and the volume of daily urine increase. Thus, the body gets rid of excess water, salts and toxic substances such as microbes, uric acid, fats and various impurities. Removing excess fat and water helps with weight loss, and brings relief to people suffering from edema. In addition, an increase in the volume of separated urine protects the kidneys from the formation of stones and prevents the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
• Cleanser. The tool cleanses the blood, removing unwanted substances from the bloodstream and helping in transporting oxygen to the tissues, working as a circulatory stimulator. Parsley seed oil has the ability to cause menstruation. Such a need may arise in case of menstrual irregularities. The tool relieves conditions for menstrual pain, relieves fatigue and nausea.
• Laxative. The laxative property of the product helps eliminate constipation. The tool stimulates the secretion of digestive organs, which increases the motility of the smooth muscles of the intestine.
• Parsley oil has the ability to "gently" normalize blood pressure.

How to make parsley oil at home?

Parsley seed oil, which is very useful for health and beauty, is practically impossible to make at home, since it is obtained by cold pressing under heavy press in the factory. But to make butter from parsley leaves, which will be used for culinary purposes, is quite possible.

Nutrition value of 100 g of greenery:

• calorie content - 36 kcal;
• fats - 0.79 g;
• carbohydrates - 6.33 g;
• proteins - 2.97 g.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml of rapeseed or other vegetable oil;
• a large bunch of parsley;
• a pinch of salt (optional).

Did you know? The ancient Greeks made wreaths of parsley, to lay them on the heads of the winners of the Nemensky and Isthmian sports, just like they honored the Olympians with laurel wreaths.

Cooking:

1. Parsley is washed in several waters, and then placed for 5-10 seconds in boiling water, holding the grass bunch by the stems.
2. After thermal procedures, it is important to immediately place scalded greens in a bowl of cold water and ice in order to stop the thermal process and preserve the green color of the leaves.
3. Spread the greens in one layer on a paper towel, and then carry out drying using napkins.
4. Parsley leaves are separated from the stem, after which the greens are cut into large pieces and placed in a blender or food processor for chopping. You can use a conventional meat grinder. After chopping, the greens should resemble liquid green gruel.
5. Vegetable oil is poured into a tall food container, after which mashed parsley greens are added to it and mixed well.
6. The mixture is infused for a day in a warm room, after which it is filtered through gauze or a metal strainer, and poured into glass containers.
7. Store the finished product in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use parsley oil for a week.

Video: how to make parsley oil

Application area

In addition to the widespread use of herbs as a spice, this culture also has many healing properties, which are mainly associated with the action of the essential oil obtained from seed and parsley leaves.

In folk medicine

In recipes of traditional medicine, this plant, rich in useful substances, is regularly used in the fight against constipation, if necessary, cause bleeding, from prostatitis, in case of malfunctions in the heart.

Important! Parsley seed oil stimulates blood and lymph circulation, improves digestion, strengthens the immune system. Thus, the product maintains an appropriate level of energy in the body and promotes overall health.

In case of heart failure - 4 tablespoons (with a slide) of greens and roots chopped on a blender, add 3 cups of boiling water to the cup, mix and cover the container with a saucer, then leave to infuse for 4 hours. To the present mixture add the juice of half a lemon and take one glass of medicine for 3 days. The daily dose is divided into equal 4 parts, and they are drunk 30-40 minutes before each meal.

From gases in the intestines and with a " stopped " stomach - 10 g of sliced ​​roots and herbs of a spicy plant are mixed with 250 ml of boiling water, cover the container with a lid, leaving for half an hour for infusion. Before use, you need to strain the infusion from plant residues. The medicine is taken 50 ml after each meal.

With a delay of menstruation - 10 g of dry or fresh leaves of the plant are mixed with 250 ml of hot water, after which the pan is put on fire and brought to a boil. The boiled broth is immediately turned off. Cooled medicine is drunk three times a day, regardless of the time of eating.

From prostatitis - herbs and roots crushed in a blender (30 g) are added to 250 ml of freshly boiled water, mixed and covered with a lid, after which they are left to infuse for half an hour. The finished solution is filtered through a strainer and taken three times a day (at regular intervals), 2 tablespoons per reception.

In cosmetology

The product contains petroselic acid. It is a monounsaturated acid, which is found in large quantities in parsley oil and, when used properly, improves the condition of mature skin. As an additive to the cream, it stimulates the metabolic processes in the skin. In addition, the tool improves microcirculation of blood in the capillaries and, as a result, improves skin tone. Parsley oil has a nourishing effect, whitens the skin, removes age spots.

Important! Parsley oil goes well with essential oils of sage, orange, rose, tea tree and ylang-ylang. It can be an ideal ingredient in mixtures of natural oils created specifically to combat specific diseases and cosmetic problems.

Another very important component of the oil is linoleic acid. This is one of the polyunsaturated acids. It helps moisturize the skin, and also improves its regenerative properties. People suffering from acne often have linoleic acid deficiency in sebum, which helps clog pores in the skin and then acne, and parsley oil makes up for these shortcomings. Also, the essential product can be applied in a thin layer to the skin of the whole body (after taking a bath) as a moisturizing lotion. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of rough skin areas (on the heels or on the elbows).

Essential oil is used to strengthen hair roots. A small amount of the product is rubbed into the scalp, after which a plastic hat is put on the hair, on top of which a terry towel is fixed (for a thermal effect) and left for half an hour, after which the firming agent is washed off with warm water and shampoo. It is recommended to apply parsley oil not only on the roots, but also on the entire length of the hair as a nourishing mask. After this procedure, the hair becomes shiny, supple and very silky.

Possible contraindications for use

Parsley oil, consumed in large quantities, has mild toxicity, especially in relation to the liver, so it should be used in small doses. Also, you can not eat a large number of roots or parsley of pregnant women. It must be remembered that the product has abortive properties and can stimulate bleeding.

During pregnancy, a woman can eat one or two green sprigs of parsley daily - as a vitamin supplement for the body, but no more. Parsley is a very useful plant for humans, oil from it is successfully used in medicine to treat various diseases, in cosmetology to improve skin and hair conditions. This culture is grown in most private household plots and on beds of summer residents, and is also always available for purchase in retail chains.