Celery

Annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the umbelliferae family (Apiaceae) with about 20 species. The celery plant consists of celery root (Apil radix) , celery herb (Apil herba) and celery fruit (Apil fructus).

Celery juice is extracted from the celery plant.

Celery is used as a diuretic, stool regulator and blood purifier. It is also used to stimulate the glands, to treat rheumatism, and for nervous restlessness, loss of appetite and exhaustion. To date, the effect of Apium graveolens has not been proven. Due to the allergic reaction possibilities up to anaphylactic shock, see also celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome, its use is not recommended therapeutically.

Commission E: Negative monograph

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

There are three main varieties of real celery, each of which uses mainly leaves, stems and root tubers. The powder is added to many seasonings and finished products. Celery is found worldwide in temperate latitudes (mainly in the northern hemisphere).

Celery has been cultivated as a medicinal, seasoning and vegetable plant. True celery has a typical, strong aroma, which is mainly caused by essential oils, and reaches a growth height of up to one meter. Its allergological significance is considerable (see below celery allergy).

1. https://buecher.heilpflanzen-welt.de/BGA-Kommission-E-Monographien/apium-graveolens-sellerie.htm