What Are the Benefits of Celery Seed Tea?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, celery seeds have been used medicinally for a wide range of complaints for thousands of years. Although modern science hasn't confirmed most of the claims herbalists make about celery seed or celery seed tea, many patients swear by this traditional remedy.

Purchase celery seed tea from a health food store or make your own. Purchase whole celery seeds from a health food or alternative medicine store; never use garden seeds, since they are often treated with chemicals. Place 1 tsp. of celery seeds in a mug and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 20 minutes and then strain it. Drink this tea up to three times a day.

Mosquito Repellant

• Celery seed has long been used as a mosquito repellent, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is commonly found in commercial all-natural or organic bug sprays.

Diuretic and Decreased Inflammation and Swelling

• Herbalists often use celery seed tea as a diuretic, increasing the body's urine output. This, in turn, can aid edema (swelling) and flushes the body of toxins. Celery seed tea is also thought by herbalists to reduce inflammation due to arthritis and gout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although there are no human-based, scientific studies to support this idea.

Kidney Stones and Chronic Kidney Problems

• Because celery seed tea increases urination, it's often used to aid chronic kidney problems, including kidney stones, states Deepdown Wellness Chiropractic and Natural Health. Celery seed is rich in potassium and naturally occurring sodium, which helps cleanse the body of waste in the kidneys and bowels and reduces uric acid in the body.

Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

• Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found that animals treated with celery seed extract experience lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. Some herbalists suggest daily intake of celery seed tea for lowering both.

Muscle Cramps

• Celery seed tea is often used to treat muscle cramps, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. It's believed the high calcium content in the tea relaxes muscles and the nervous system.

Cancer Prevention

• According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, celery seed consumption may prevent cancer. Specifically, researchers at the University of Utah Medical School discovered a connection between those who consume a lutein-rich diet (which includes celery) are less apt to develop colon cancer.