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APIUM GRAVEOLENS

CELERY SEED Ajwan

Celery seed, or ajwan, grows wild in India all year round. Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe celery seed to reduce high vátha states—indigestion, nervous stomach, and ungrounded emotions. In aromatherapy, celery seed oil can be used to counteract jet lag and exposure to smog and toxic environments.

PROPERTIES

Celery seed has pungent, salty qualities, and a heating/moisturizing effect. It is used as a stimulant, expectorant, antispasmodic, and lithotrophic.

Part of Plant Used The bulb.

Conditions Treated The common cold, coughs, sinus congestion, respiratory infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, arthritis, digestive problems, high blood pressure, insomnia, diseases of the liver and spleen, and irregular menstruation.

Form Taken As a food, a tea or infusion, steam, powder, massage oil, or gargle.

Used with Other Herbs? Basil, black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus, sandalwood.

HOW TO USE

 Celery seed reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.

 It is most commonly used as a diuretic, since fluid retention aggravates high blood pressure, congestive heart conditions, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, and gout.

CAUTION

 Celery seed may cause minor discomfort in some people. If you are experiencing a stomach upset or diarrhea while taking celery seed, discontinue use.

 Pregnant women should not take celery seed without a physician’s approval because of its strong diuretic properties.

 Do not give celery seed to children under two years old.