Celery Seed Benefits

For thousands of years, celery seed has been used the world over to treat a number of conditions. A jar of celery seed may put you on the path to better health.

Appearance

• Celery seeds are tiny brown seeds that are found in the flowers of the celery plant.

Components

• Celery seeds contain linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid, as well as coumarins (blood-thinners) and flavonoids (antioxidants). They also contain volatile oils, calcium and limonene.

Conditions Treated

• The most common use for celery seed in alternative medicine are as a diuretic. They also may be used to treat kidney stones, gout, arthritis, muscle cramps and high blood pressure.

Overall Health

• Celery seeds contain compounds that lead to a healthy liver, strong uterine muscles and calm nerves.

Forms

• For use in alternative medicine, celery seed may take one of many forms. Use 1 tsp. of crushed seeds in boiling water and let them steep for 10 to 20 minutes for tea. Or, take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of celery seed extract or one to two celery seed oil capsules or tablets. Take your preferred form of celery seed up to three times per day.

Warnings

• As celery seed is a diuretic and an anticoagulant, do not use it while taking other diuretics or anticoagulants. Pregnant women and children under 18 should not take celery seed. Do not take seeds from a packet of garden seeds, as they have probably been treated with chemicals.