Parsley
Parsley is an herbaceous agricultural plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is biennial, meaning it requires two consecutive growing seasons to complete its life cycle. For example, when its seeds are planted in a certain year, they bloom and sprout in the following year. The leaves are bright green, resembling cilantro to some extent but with a distinct aromatic scent. The height of the parsley plant does not exceed 20 cm. There are smooth and curly varieties, and it is called “karafs” in Iraq, while in Algeria and Morocco, it is known as “ba’danus.”
The ancient Egyptians knew the parsley plant and used it as a healthy food and a remedy for ailments. Its nutritional and health value lies in its content of many essential oils such as furocoumarins, flavonoids, apiol, and myristicin, in addition to many important vitamins for the human body, iron, and chlorophyll.
Benefits of Drinking Parsley Tea on an Empty Stomach Some benefits of drinking parsley tea on an empty stomach include:
- Diuretic properties, which may be beneficial for urinary tract infections.
- Increases milk production for nursing mothers.
- Helps induce menstrual flow in women.
- Freshens breath.
- Improves blood sugar levels.
- Contains vitamin A, which is important for vision and sexual health.
- Contains vitamin C, which is important for the skin as it stimulates collagen production, delaying the appearance of aging signs.
How to Use Parsley Parsley can be eaten raw in salads, pickles, and seafood recipes to add a distinctive flavor to the food, or used as dried spices in hot dishes and pasta. Alternatively, the leaves can be boiled, and the strained water can be drunk warm, with a little honey, lemon juice, or sugar added if desired.
