What is Parsley? Parsley (Petroselinum cripsum), also known as garden parsley, is a popular herb, spice, and vegetable widely used in Middle Eastern, European, and American cooking.
The leaf parsley is divided into two groups – curly leaf and flat leaf. Consumers prefer curly leaf parsley because of its appearance, making it more suitable for garnishing. On the other hand, gardeners lean more on the flat leaf parsley because of its tolerance for rain and sunshine, making it so much easier to cultivate than the latter. Flat leaf parsley is also called Italian leaf parsley.
Root parsley is another type of parsley that grows below the ground. It closely resembles a parsnip in terms of appearance, but its taste is far from the other one.
Health Benefits of Parsley
Parsley is more than just a decoration on one’s plate. The herb contains two types of components that are responsible for its health benefits. The first kind is the volatile oil components, which are myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. These are responsible in neutralizing certain types of carcinogens, such as benzopyrenes, a substance found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. The second type is called the flavonoids, which are apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin. The flavonoids, especially luteolin, act as antioxidants that combine with oxygen radicals and help stop oxygen-based cell damages in the body. Aside from this, parsley is also rich in Vitamins A and C.
Herbalists consider parsley as an aid to digestion and bladder problems. It is believed that the herb aids in constipation, which is the primary focus in treating anal fissure. ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley approximately has 1 gram of fiber.
Anal Fissures and Constipation
Anal fissure, or a crack or tear found in the anal lining, usually occurs when passing hard and/ or large feces during bowel movement. As a result, anal fissures may cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. The condition is treated by concentrating on the root cause – constipation. With this, constipation is cured by exercising regularly, staying rehydrated, and consuming ample amounts of fiber on a regular basis.
Even though anal fissure usually heals on its own, it can last for as long as 6 weeks, depending on the state of the bowel movement of the patient.
Parsley as Treatment
Since parsley is a very flexible herb and can be used in almost every dish, whether for decorative purpose or added flavor, it is not difficult to incorporate it in a person’s daily food intake.
Parsley may be eaten fresh, as long as it is carefully washed before serving. It may also be made as a tea, by simply using crushed seeds or leaves, and soaking and steeping them in boiling water.
In salads and sauces, it may be chopped finely, with the quantity as generous as possible.
The daily recommended dosage of parsley leaf or root to be consumed is 6 grams of dried plant per day.
Through consumption of foods rich in fiber like parsley, constipation, the root cause of anal fissure is treated, which will eventually prevent hard bowel movements.
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