Aggravates High Blood Pressure

Celery seed, or ajwan, grows wild in India all year round. Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe celery seed to reduce high vátha states—indigestion, nervous stomach, and ungrounded emotions. In aromatherapy, celery seed oil can be used to counteract jet lag and exposure to smog and toxic environments.

PROPERTIES
Celery seed has pungent, salty qualities, and a heating/moisturizing effect. It is used as a stimulant, expectorant, antispasmodic, and lithotrophic.

Part of Plant Used
The bulb.

Conditions Treated
The common cold, coughs, sinus congestion, respiratory infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, arthritis, digestive problems, high blood pressure, insomnia, diseases of the liver and spleen, and irregular menstruation.

Form Taken
As a food, a tea or infusion, steam, powder, massage oil, or gargle.

Used with Other Herbs?
Basil, black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus, sandalwood.

HOW TO USE
• Celery seed reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.
• It is most commonly used as a diuretic, since fluid retention aggravates high blood pressure, congestive heart conditions, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, and gout.

CAUTION
• Celery seed may cause minor discomfort in some people. If you are experiencing a stomach upset or diarrhea while taking celery seed, discontinue use.
• Pregnant women should not take celery seed without a physician’s approval because of its strong diuretic properties.
• Do not give celery seed to children under two years old.