Parsley – an Aphrodisiac for Women

Various types of herbs through the ages have been used to enhance sexual pleasure among men and women. Some herbs are believed to act directly on the sexual hormones of the body, thereby heightening the libido. Most however owe their reputation as aphrodisiacs to medicinal properties which may help an individual to get rid of ailments and thus enjoy sex. One such herb is the parsley is which thought to be particularly useful for women.

About parsley

Botanically known as Petroselinum crispum, the parsley belongs to the Umbellifereae family of plants, it is closely related to many other herbs used to season foods like caraway, coriander, chervil, dill, fennel, cumin, lovage, pimpernel and myrrh. Parsley is actually native to southern Europe even though today it has been dispersed throughout the world.

How parsley works as an aphrodisiac

The key to parsley’s aphrodisiacal property lies most probably in its ability to treat problems of the urinary tract. Ever since the time of the ancient Greeks, parsley has been used as a diuretic and was one the herbs advised by Hippocrates to relieve pain of the kidneys and promote overall health. As a diuretic, parsley helps to flush out the toxins from the kidneys and the liver by increasing the amount of urine. It is also believed to be effective the in treatment of spastic bladder. When women suffer from painful or uncomfortable symptoms brought on by disorders of the urinary tract, it is difficult for them to take pleasure in sex. By easing these distressing symptoms and promoting the normal urinary function, parsley can be considered to contribute to healthy sex and therefore act as an aphrodisiac.

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Parsley is loaded with nutrients which are essential for the optimal functioning of the sexual organs.The plant is particularly rich in Vitamins A, C, B1 and B6. According to studies, parsley contains as much beta-carotene as there is in a large carrot and one would have to eat two oranges to get the amount of Vitamin C present in a cup of minced parsley. Vitamin A is known to improve the circulatory system of the body which plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the genitals. When blood vessels in the vagina dilate with the rush of blood, conditions are created for sexual arousal and effective lubrication among women. Vitamin C is again necessary for proper functioning of the sex glands besides boosting the body’s immunity system and protecting it from infections. The herb is also loaded with minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium all of which are crucial for healthy sex. In fact one cup of minced parsley contains the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk and twenty times more iron than a serving of liver. All these nutritional properties of parsley make it an ideal herb for having a healthy body and sexual life.

Yet another medicinal property of parsley which may have attributed to its use as an aphrodisiac for women lies in its ability to regulate menstrual functions. In European folk tradition, parsley has a history of being used as an emmenagogue in other words, an agent that stimulates menstruation among women suffering from absence of periods. Its high iron content is also useful for treating anemia among women and thus improving overall bodily vigor.

Finally parsley may be considered to act as an aphrodisiac because of its use as a breath freshener. The herb is loaded with natural chlorophyll and therefore on being crushed, emits a sweet fragrance. Chewing leaves of parsley was used in earlier times to acquire fresh-smelling breath and thus create the right conditions for amorous action.

Using parsley

For medicinal purposes, the leaves and seeds of parsley are primarily used. The leaves can be used either in the fresh or dried form. In fact parsley tea is generally made by soaking two teaspoons of dried parsley leaves or a quarter cup of the fresh leaves in one cup of boiling water, letting it steep for five to ten minutes. After straining, it can be consumed as a warm tea or a cold infusion. Besides being used to treat anemia, parsley tea also helps in reducing congestion from colds, lessening asthma attacks and providing relief in internal inflammations. As a nutritional supplement, Around 25 to 30 grams of parsley per day seems to be adequate for an adult.

Parsley seed may be used to prevent vascular diseases and even some types of cancer. This is because the seeds contain compounds which act as calcium channel blockers and help protect from a host of diseases. An essential oil is made from the seeds of parsley which has many uses in aromatherapy.

Poultices made by crushing the stems and leaves of parsley or from its powder have been used to treat insect bites, stings and head lice because of the presence of histamine inhibitors in the herb. A cloth dipped in cold parsley tea and applied to the eyes can offer relief from eye fatigue and eye irritation.

One of the most common uses of parsley is as a culinary herb. Parsley like its relatives coriander and dill is used to season and garnish a variety of soups, salads, pastas, meats and sauces.

Side effects of using parsley

Used in excessive quantities, parsley may cause headache, giddiness and loss of balance. Among people with untreated kidney conditions, it may even lead to convulsions as well as renal damage. The psoralen compounds found in parsley have been linked to a photodermatitis reaction found among parsley cutters.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are best advised to avoid parsley in the form of extracts or supplements because of the herb’s probable effect on hormones. However as a garnish or seasoning in foods, parsley is safe to use.

Parsley essential oil should not be used internally because of its toxicity.

Ever since antiquity, parsley has been widely reputed for its medicinal and culinary properties. This is probably why it began to be used as an aphrodisiac too – since its effect on strengthening and healing the body was found to have a positive impact on the sex lives of all those who used it.