Overview:

Celery seed is not well-known in Western herbal medicine, although it has been used medicinally for thousands of years in other parts of the world. During ancient times, Ayurvedic medicine used celery seed to treat colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and certain diseases of the liver and spleen.

Today, celery seed is used primarily as a diuretic (increasing urine output to help the body get rid of excess water). Celery seed is also suggested for treating arthritis and gout, and to help reduce muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation. However, there are no scientific studies in humans that show whether celery seed is effective for these conditions or any others. Studies do show that celery seeds act as a mosquito repellent.

A few animal studies suggest that celery seed extracts may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as protect the liver from damaging substances such as the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Preliminary animal studies also show that celery seed may help prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in mice. In humans, researchers have found that people who eat a diet rich in lutein (from celery, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, carrots, and greens) were significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer. However, celery was just one part of their diet, and no one knows whether the effect is due to celery, another food, or some combination of foods.

Plant Description:

The celery plant is slender and stands about 2 - 3 feet tall. It has 3 - 5 segmented leaves and flowers with small white petals. Celery seeds, which are found in the flowers, are very small, tan to dark brown, and have a strong, pleasant smell.

What's It Made Of?:

Celery seeds contain several substances including volatile oils, flavonoids (plant pigments with antioxidant effects that may protect cells from damage), coumarins (chemical compounds that help thin the blood), and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid).

Available Forms:

• Fresh or dried seeds
• Tablets
• Capsules filled with celery seed oil
• Celery seed extract

How to Take It:

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the use of celery seed in children, so it is not recommended for children under 18.

Adult

Celery seed oil capsules or tablets: 1 - 2 capsules or tablets 3 times a day, as directed by your health care provider.

Celery seed extract: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp 3 times a day, or as directed by your health care provider. (Always take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed otherwise.)

Whole celery seeds: Prepare a tea by pouring one cup boiling water over one teaspoon (1 - 3 g) of freshly crushed seeds. Steep for 10 - 20 minutes before straining and drinking. Drink 3 times a day.

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Pregnant women should not use celery seed because it may lead to uterine bleeding and muscle contractions in the uterus, which could cause miscarriage.

People with active kidney inflammation should also avoid this herb.

Some people who are allergic to birch pollen may also be allergic to celery seed.

Active compounds in celery stems and seeds can cause the skin to become highly sensitive to the sun's UV rays (called photodermatitis). For this reason, people taking celery seed should use sunscreen or sunblock lotions.

Celery seeds should not be taken from a garden packet, because these seeds have usually been treated with chemicals and should not be taken internally.

Possible Interactions:

It is not known whether celery seed interacts with other herbs and medications. However, people who take the following medications should avoid celery seed:

Diuretics (water pills) -- Celery seed also has diuretic properties and could make the effects of these medications stronger, resulting in dehydration. If you take prescription diuretics, talk to your doctor before taking celery seed.

Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) -- Celery contains chemicals that may thin the blood and make the effects of these medications stronger, which could increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Do not take celery seed if you also take prescription anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Alternative Names:

Apium graveolens