Parsley, Reveal Date: 8/15

Article published at: Aug 8, 2024 Article author: Lily Michaud
Color photography of living parsely, by 4028mdk09 (wikicommons)
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This week we meditated with parsley, Petroselinum crispum or sativum, an herb of traditional Western herbalism. 

Parsley seedling illustration in color c. 1850
Taste and pre-Meditation impressions: 
My daughter and I had different takes on this herb, lol.
She says, it smells "Dank, like a weird bookstore that hasn’t been cleaned in like two years (the bookstore is by the coast, so it’s damp).

Me: It has a smell that reminds me of kidney supporting herbs: nutrient rich, a little like the bottom of a lake (this is the kidney part, but not as much as blackberry leaf or nettles), a little salty, the feeling is warm and refreshing, nourishing, and satisfying.

8/15 plant meditation club subject: a dried, leafy, green herb in the palm of my hand
Meditation 1

My daughter: I started out in the same hippie bookstore by the coast as the other experience. But as I walked up to the attic, instead of LIzzo opening the door it was this kind of horror-movie-adjacent animated sketch (in black ink) of a thin woman with flowy hair. Behind her was this churning mass of inky black animated swirls. The woman pulled me in and I was falling through this abyss. When I landed I was looking down with a bird’s eye view of this teen laying in their room listening to “Where Is My Mind” by the Pixies, at full volume in headphones.

Me: It is tough for me to get into this at first. I have been working closely with indigo for days and at first all I could see inside me was blue, blue, blue, blue, blue.  I do feel comfortable and more clear-headed because I am more secure/centered.

Meditation 2 

My daughter: My eyes would not shut the entire time!!! (ie no visions)

Me: Still feeling saturated with blue. Nourished. Felt the gallbladder meridians on the side of my head (a little above my temples and extending back). I felt good, eventually moved to center of my forehead. I feel very nourished.

Summary
This herb is nutrient rich and has many uses. First off, for my daughter and anyone else who can't close their eyes during meditation: this is high in vitamin A, great for eye health, night blindness, protects eyes from UV damage, and prevents age-related vision issues.

Parsley has a long history of supporting the adrenals, kidneys, and urinary tract. It contains Apiol, an essential oil that reduces the likelihood of urinary tract infections, helps pass kidney stones, and supports smooth flowing of bile duct passageways. 

 

This plant is high in iron and helps prevent or recover from anemia. Parsley is good for bones, promoting growth, and it may offer a treatment for osteoporosis. The herb is also high in copper and various other minerals, overall it has positive impacts on skin and hair.

This herb is an excellent food herb that is supportive during all phases of life for women, including pregnancy and nursing. Always work with an experienced herbalist or healthcare provider when making decisions for. yourself and especially during pregnancy and nursing. This herb is stimulating to the uterus and can promote menstruation if it is delayed or absent. Women often face a higher demand for nutrients, because of menstruation, pregnancy, and nursing. This herb is an nutrition-packed ally.

Consider parsley a useful addition to anyone's healthcare diet. "Not your garnish!"

Invitation

Have you experimented with parsley or used it in your practice? Please share below :) Interested in joining the Plant Meditation Club? Subscribe here and get four mystery earth medicines sent to you each month. 

 

 

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