Sunday, January 4, 2009

Parsley, Continental

CONTINENTAL PARSLEY syn. 'Italian' (Petroselinum
crispum var. neapolitanum)
(Flat Parsley, Italian Parsley, Plain leafed
Parsley, Fern Leafed Parsley)

Cultivation - Rich, well drained soil in sun or
partial shade

Propagation - Seed sown from Spring to late Summer.
Soak seeds overnight in warm water to speed
germination (otherwise germination will take 3 to 6
weeks). This herb will self seed freely if allowed

Flowers - appear from Spring through to the end of
Summer

Harvest - Leaves are picked before flowering. Roots
are lifted in late Autumn of first year or Spring of
second year. Seeds are collected when ripe. Oil can
be distilled from the leaves and seeds

Dimensions - 90cm high. 60cm wide.

USES

Medicinal

Internal - Menstrual complaints, oedema, cystitis,
prostatis, kidney stones, indegestion colic,
anorexia, anaemia, arthritis, rheumatism, promotes
lactation and uterus contraction after delivery

**Excess causes abortion, liver and kidney damage,
nerve inflammation and gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Contraindicated during pregnancy and when kidney
disease is present. Excess can be toxic, although it
is perfectly safe to eat in the amounts required in
cooking recipes


Culinary - Leaves used as a garnish, to flavour
sauces, butter, dressings, stuffings and savoury
dishes. Parsley is used in such dishes as: Salsa
Verde (Mexico), Tabouleh (Middle East), Chimichurri
(Argentina), Persillade (France) and Gremolata
(Italy)

Magical - The same as for Petroselinum sativum
(common parsley) Lust, Protection, Purification

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

You can eat this herb to promote love but never cut
the plant when you are in love or you will also cut
the love. Romans used to tuck a piece of Parsley into
their togas for protection. Parsley placed on a plate
of food was used to guard it from contamination or
poison (and you can still see this in practise today
when you visit the butchers or go to a restaurant). A
wreath of parsley was also said to prevent or delay
inebriation. This plant is a native of the
Mediterranean region and was used widely by the Greeks
for hero's garlands and at funerals. Parsley contains
calcium, vitamin A, B1, and C (infact, aproximately
four times as much as the equal weight in oranges),
protein and iron. So while the herb can be toxic in
enormous doses, it is still regarded as a herb to be
used everyday to promote good health.


Sources:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by
ScottCunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by
Llewellyn Publications

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN
0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in
Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted first to rule out
major illnesses.

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