Celery Seed Identification

Identification

• Celery seeds are quite small, roughly 1/16th of an inch, and range from tan to dark brown in color. The smell is strong and reminiscent of the typical smell from celery stalks. The celery seeds are found within the flowers of the celery plant, which reaches 2 to 3 feet in height. Celery seeds contain flavanoids, volatile oils, chemical compounds called coumarins and linoleic acid.

Uses

• Celery seed is not thought of as a medicinal agent in the western world, but it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many ailments. For thousands of years, celery seed was prescribed for flu, colds, poor digestion, liver and spleen problems, water retention and certain types of arthritis. Today, celery seed is actually used as a diuretic, and suggested by some for treatment of arthritis, muscle spasm, gout and inflammation, although no human studies show that it is effective for these issues. In the kitchen, celery seed may be added to soups, stews, casseroles or other dishes to enhance the flavor of the meal.

Forms

• Celery seed is available in several different forms, but should always be taken under the supervision of your health care practitioner. You may find celery seed in its natural seed form, in tablets, capsules filled with oil and celery seed extract.

Considerations

• Most herbs have the potential to interact with conventional medications, and celery seed is no different. Consult your doctor before you add celery seed to your diet, especially if you are on any medications. Avoid celery seed if you are pregnant, as it can lead to uterine muscle contractions and bleeding, which in turn may lead to miscarriage. Celery seed may aggravate kidney inflammation, and an allergy to birch pollen may also indicate a celery seed allergy. Wearing sunscreen is extra important if you take celery seed because active compounds in the seeds may cause your skin to become very sensitive to the UV rays of the sun.