Parsley keeps bad breath away

Syed Akbar

Parsley or Petroselinum crispum is a native of the Middle East. But it is now grown widely for its medicinal properties and health value. This leafy vegetable is used in Ayurveda, Unani and even in the modern medicine.
Though it is generally recommended for its ability to fight bad breath, Parsley is used for treatment of a number of health issues like stones and calculi in the kidney, infection of gall bladder, boils, sting and bites by insects, flatulence and indigestion. It is also recommended as a natural blood purifier and general health tonic.
The leaves of Parsley, both fresh and dried, as also its tap root are used in herbal formulations. The leaves can be chewed raw or consumed as herbal tea, decoction or tincture. Ointment, poultice or leaf paste of Parsley can be applied externally for skin problems including inflammation. Some herbal doctors prescribe head wash using paste of Parsley leaves to kill head lice.
The leaves are rich in vitamin C and thus they help in purifying the blood and keeping the circulatory system in good condition. Pregnant women should avoid Parsley as it may create health problems. Others should use it in prescribed quantities as heavy dosage may lead to complications.
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Home remedies
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Take a few leaves of Parsley, clean them with water and chew them. This prevents bad breath. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll and other natural substances that prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the mouth and causing bad breath. You can also prepare mouth gargle using Parsley leaves. Take a few leaves, clean them and put them in a glass of water. Boil the water, filter the solution and use it for gargling the mouth, twice a 
day. Prepare solution fresh everyday.
Some herbal doctors prescribe Parsley tea for problems like stones and calculi in kidneys. It is also recommended for jaundice.
Chewing a few leaves of Parsley daily will help in fighting flatulence and indigestion and keeps the digestive system healthy.
Take a few leaves, crush them and apply on painful boils, insect bites or sting for relief from the trouble. Inflammation or swelling can also be reduced by applying leaf paste or ointment on the affected area.