Celery
Celery
Celery or Ajmoda is a plant whose leaves and stalk are commonly used as a part of a healthy diet. The word Celery means “quick acting” and is often referred to as the best food for the brain. Celery helps to manage flatulence and improve digestion. It is also used in insomnia, gout, and headache. In some cases, Celery might cause hyperacidity and other gastrointestinal disturbances[2].
What are the synonyms of Celery?
Apium graveolens, Ajmod, Ajmuda, Ajwain-ka-patta, Vamaku, Randhuni[1].
What is the source of Celery?
Plant Based
Benefits of Celery
Modern Science View
Celery might be good for your overall digestive system due to the presence of phytochemicals. Also, the high water content and fiber may help in improving digestion and controlling constipation.
Modern Science View
Celery is said to ease menstrual discomfort to some extent. Celery can ease bloating during menstruation due to its high water content. A study says that Celery can also reduce cramps during menstruation[23].
Tip:
1. Have a bowl of Celery stalks as a healthy snack.
2. You can combine it with delicious dips like peanut butter.
Tip:
1. Have a bowl of Celery stalks as a healthy snack.
2. You can combine it with delicious dips like peanut butter.
Modern Science View
Celery can be used to get relief from mild to moderate headache.
Headache is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain dilate activating the pain mediators. Celery has anti-inflammatory property. It lowers the activity of the pain mediators thereby reducing headache[24].
Headache is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain dilate activating the pain mediators. Celery has anti-inflammatory property. It lowers the activity of the pain mediators thereby reducing headache[24].
Modern Science View
Celery is used in gout.
Celery might help manage pain in case of gout due to its anti-inflammatory property. This property is due to apiin which is a natural flavonoid present in Celery. Apiin reduces the activity of pain mediators and helps in lowering pain and inflammation[10].
Celery might help manage pain in case of gout due to its anti-inflammatory property. This property is due to apiin which is a natural flavonoid present in Celery. Apiin reduces the activity of pain mediators and helps in lowering pain and inflammation[10].
Modern Science View
Celery might help you sleep better.
3, n‐butylphthalide in Celery has a calming effect on your central nervous system and helps you sleep[25].
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Celery juice and add in one glass water
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
3. Drink it before going to bed.
4. Do not forget to empty your bladder before sleeping or trips to the washroom will keep you up.
3, n‐butylphthalide in Celery has a calming effect on your central nervous system and helps you sleep[25].
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Celery juice and add in one glass water
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
3. Drink it before going to bed.
4. Do not forget to empty your bladder before sleeping or trips to the washroom will keep you up.
How effective is Celery?
Likely effective
Menstrual pain
Insufficient evidence
Gout, Indigestionasdf, Insomnia, asdfHeadache
Precautions when using Celery
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Levothyroxine is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency. Taking Celery along with levothyroxine might decrease the effectiveness of levothyroxine. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor[3].
Patients with heart disease
Important
Modern Science View
Celery may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor blood pressure regularly while taking Celery along with anti-hypertensive drugs[3][19].
Modern Science View
Celery may have diuretic (increased urine flow) properties. Thus, it is generally advised to consult your doctor if you are taking other diuretics because of additive effects.
Side Effects
Ayurvedic View
Hyperacidity
Recommended Dosage of Celery
- Celery Juice - 2 to 3 teaspoons twice a day
- Celery Capsule - 1 to 2 capsule twice a day
- Celery Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon twice a day
How to use Celery
1. Celery Juice
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Celery juice in a glass.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it.
c. Take this juice twice a day, after 2 hours of meals.
2. Celery Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Celery capsules.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day, after meals.
3. Celery Powder
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Celery powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water twice a day.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Celery juice in a glass.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it.
c. Take this juice twice a day, after 2 hours of meals.
2. Celery Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Celery capsules.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day, after meals.
3. Celery Powder
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Celery powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water twice a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Celery leaves can be added to soup to enhance the flavor along with multiple health benefits like managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, menstrual pain, weight, arthritis pain and detoxification.
Modern Science View
Celery soup can be prepared in the following ways:
1. Chop your choice of vegetables along with a cup of fresh whole Celery.
2. Cook for 10 minutes in a pot of boiling water
3. Simmer for another 5 minutes
OR
Another way is to make your favorite chicken or vegetable soup and top it with Celery leaves.
1. Chop your choice of vegetables along with a cup of fresh whole Celery.
2. Cook for 10 minutes in a pot of boiling water
3. Simmer for another 5 minutes
OR
Another way is to make your favorite chicken or vegetable soup and top it with Celery leaves.
Modern Science View
Celery should be stored in the refrigerator by wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil to keep it crisp and fresh for few days. Avoid storing it for too long as it may lose all the nutrients.
Modern Science View
Celery root known as celeriac is an edible root vegetable that is slightly brown in color. It has a Celery-like flavor with a starchy, rather potato-like texture. A simple way to eat Celery root is to boil and then add it to soups or mash it just like potatoes. It can also be eaten raw.
Modern Science View
Drinking a glass of Celery and Cucumber juice especially during summers will be a boon for you. It will not only hydrate but will also detoxify your body and cleanse your stomach. This eventually will help in managing body weight.
Modern Science View
Yes, Celery might help in weight loss by improving your digestion. Celery has high fiber and water content. As a result of which it leaves, you feel more satiated and help ward off your hunger pangs. Thus, by keeping a control over your appetite, Celery can aid in weight loss to some extent[9].
Ayurvedic View
Increase in weight might be due to Ama (toxic remains in the system mainly due to improper digestion) and imbalance of Kapha dosha. Celery might help in controlling weight by balancing Kapha and by reducing Ama in the body.
Tip:
1. Have a bowl of chopped Celery as a snack before meals.
2. Continue this for at least 1 month for better results.
3. You can add little salt and pepper powder according to your taste.
Or,
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Ajmoda powder before breakfast with lukewarm water.
2. Continue for at least 3-4 months for better results.
Tip:
1. Have a bowl of chopped Celery as a snack before meals.
2. Continue this for at least 1 month for better results.
3. You can add little salt and pepper powder according to your taste.
Or,
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Ajmoda powder before breakfast with lukewarm water.
2. Continue for at least 3-4 months for better results.
Modern Science View
Celery is said to be good in managing arthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory property. This property is due to apiin which is a natural flavonoid present in Celery. Apiin reduces the activity of pain mediators and helps in lowering pain and inflammation in the body[10].
Ayurvedic View
Celery might help in reducing arthritis pain by balancing both Vata and Kapha Dosha.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Ajmoda powder half an hour after taking food with lukewarm water.
2. Repeat twice a day for at least 2-3 months for better results.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Ajmoda powder half an hour after taking food with lukewarm water.
2. Repeat twice a day for at least 2-3 months for better results.
Modern Science View
Phytochemicals present in Celery might help control high blood pressure by relaxing narrowed blood vessels. A study states that Celery also helps in reducing stress-hormones and in managing stress-induced high blood pressure[3-5].
Tip:
1. Take one cup of chopped Celery as a salad.
2. Repeat twice a day.
3. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.
Tip:
1. Take one cup of chopped Celery as a salad.
2. Repeat twice a day.
3. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.
Ayurvedic View
Celery stalk can be used for balancing high blood pressure, as it helps in balancing Vata and Kapha Dosha.
Modern Science View
Celery contains good amount of sodium and potassium which regulates body fluid, increase urine flow and flush out toxins from the body. This prevents the formation of kidney stones and maintains healthy kidneys[2].
Ayurvedic View
Celery has a property of removing extra water weight due to excessive Kapha and also increase urine flow and improve kidney function.
Modern Science View
Celery cannot completely cure cancer but can reduce the risk of cancer. Luteolin in Celery has anti-proliferative activity and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells[11-13]. Celery also contains another compound known as apigenin which has anti-cancer properties and induces cancer cell death[14-16].
Modern Science View
Celery is said to be beneficial for men as it might improve male fertility and lower the risk of impotence[17][18]. Androstenone and androstenol present in Celery might help increase sexual desire in men.
Ayurvedic View
Celery has a property of Vrishya (aphrodisiac), as a result of which it might be good for managing male sexual problems.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Celery (Ajmoda) powder with water after taking food.
2. Repeat twice a day for at least 3 months for better results.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Celery (Ajmoda) powder with water after taking food.
2. Repeat twice a day for at least 3 months for better results.
Modern Science View
1. Anti-coagulant / Anti-platelet Drugs
Celery might increase the risk of bleeding with other drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin and warfarin[19].
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
Celery might increase the risk of bleeding with drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc[19].
3. Anti-hypertensive medicines
Celery may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood pressure regularly while taking Celery along with anti-hypertensive drugs[19].
4. Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Celery may alter the blood cholesterol levels. So it is advisable to consult a doctor while taking Celery along with other cholesterol-lowering drugs[19].
5. Diuretics
Celery may increase the urine flow due to its diuretic properties. So it is advisable to consult a doctor while taking Celery along with other diuretics[19].
Celery might increase the risk of bleeding with other drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin and warfarin[19].
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
Celery might increase the risk of bleeding with drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc[19].
3. Anti-hypertensive medicines
Celery may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood pressure regularly while taking Celery along with anti-hypertensive drugs[19].
4. Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Celery may alter the blood cholesterol levels. So it is advisable to consult a doctor while taking Celery along with other cholesterol-lowering drugs[19].
5. Diuretics
Celery may increase the urine flow due to its diuretic properties. So it is advisable to consult a doctor while taking Celery along with other diuretics[19].
Ayurvedic View
Celery (Ajmoda) can be taken with pre-existing medicines. Keep a gap of 1-2 hours between your medicines and celery.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1.Volume 1.
- H K Bakhru.Herbs that Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
- WebMD.Celery: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta[last updated in 2016].
- Al Disi SS, Anwar MA, Eid AH. Anti-hypertensive Herbs and their Mechanisms of Action: Part I.Front Pharmacol. 2015; 6: 323.
- Natural Medicines. Comprehensive Database.[Internet].California[last updated in 2018].
- Tsi D, Das NP, Tan BK.Effects of aqueous Celery (Apium graveolens) extract on lipid parameters of rats fed a high fat diet.Planta Med.1995;61(1):18-21.
- Colbert D.The New Bible Cure for High Blood Pressure: Ancient Truths, Natural Remedies, and the Latest Findings for Your Health Today.Charisma Media.2013.
- Madhavi D, Kagan D, Rao V,et.al.A pilot study to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of a Celery extract in mild to moderate hypertensive patients.NMJ.2013;5(4)1-3.
- Kooti W, Ali-Akbari S, Asadi-Samani M,et.al. A review on medicinal plant of Apium graveolens.Adv Herb Med.2014;1(1):48–59.
- Mencherini T, Cau A, Bianco G,et.al. An extract of Apium graveolens var. dulce leaves: structure of the major constituent, apiin, and its anti-inflammatory properties.J Pharm Pharmacol.2007;59(6):891–897.
- Lin Y, Shi R, Wang X, et al.Luteolin, a flavonoid with potentials for cancer prevention and therapy.Curr Cancer Drug Targets.2008;8(7):634–646.
- Pandurangan AK, Kumar SA, Dharmalingam P,et al.Luteolin, a bioflavonoid inhibits azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis: Involvement of iNOS and COX-2.Pharmacogn Mag. 2014;10(2):S306-S310.
- Rafi MM, Kanakasabai S, Gokarn SV,et al.Dietary luteolin modulates growth and survival genes in prostate cancer cells.J Med Food.2015;18(2):173-181.
- Sung B, Chung HY, Kim ND. Role of apigenin in cancer prevention via the induction of apoptosis and autophagy.J Cancer Prev.2016; 21(4):216–226.
- Arango D, Diosa-Toro M, Rojas-Hernandez LS,et.al.Dietary apigenin reduces LPS-induced expression of miR-155 restoring immune balance during inflammation.Mol Nutr Food Res.2015;59(4):763-72.
- Nabavi SM, Habtemariam S, Daglia M,et al.Apigenin and breast cancers: from chemistry to medicine.Anticancer Agents Med Chem.2015;15(6):728-735.
- Kooti W, Moradi M, Sharghi K,et.al.The effect of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) on fertility: A systematic review. J Complement Integr Med.2017.
- Kooti W, Kafash-Farkhad N, Ranjbary AG,et al.The effect of Celery (Apium graveolens) on reproductive parameters in male Wistar rat.Avicenna J Phytomed.2016;6(3):260–265.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Shivashri C, Rajarajeshwari T,Rajasekar P.Hepatoprotective action of Celery (Apium graveolens) leaves in acetaminophen-fed freshwater fish (Pangasius sutchi).Fish Physiol Biochem.2012;39(5):1057-169.
- Mecocci P, Tinarelli C,Schulz RJ.et al.Nutraceuticals in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:147.
- Jang S, Dilger RN, Johnson RW. Luteolin Inhibits Microglia and Alters Hippocampal-Dependent Spatial Working Memory in Aged Mice. Journal of Nutrition.2010;140(10):1892.
- Mirabi P, Alamolhoda SH, Esmaeilzadeh S.Effect of medicinal herbs on primary dysmenorrhoea- A systematic review.Iran J Pharm Res.2014;13(3):757–767.
- Tabassum N, Ahmad F.Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension.Pharmacogn Rev.2011;5(9):30–40.
- Bjeldanes LF, Kim IS.Sedative activity of Celery oil constituents.Journal of Food Science.1978;43(1):143-144.
- Kooti W, Daraei N.A review of the antioxidant activity of Celery (Apium graveolens L).J Evid Based Integr Med.2017;22(4):1029:1034.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.