Celery seed is one of the most overlooked of all medicinal spices. In fact, many experienced cooks are barely aware that this potent little spice is used for anything except making pickles. Anyone interested in improving their health simply and naturally should know a few things about the humble celery seed and the many ways in which it can help you feel better.
What is Celery Seed?
Celery seeds are a light brown color with thin tan stripes. They are medium sized and slightly bulb shaped. You can easily recognize them by their strong, pleasant smell; generations of cooks have added these fresh, pungent seeds to salads and soups. In food, they add the flavor of celery and so can be used when there is no celery available or when its texture is wrong for the dish.
Because celery seeds are a traditional culinary spice, you can easily find bottles of it sold at any well-stocked grocery store. If you intend to use it for medicinal purposes, it is best to purchase bulk quantities through a vendor specializing in herbal medicines. This way you can be assured of a large supply of fresh seeds.
Using Celery Seeds to Improve Your Life
Once you have obtained your celery seeds or celery seed products, you can begin using them. Here are several simple ways:
1. To enjoy the benefits of whole seeds, lightly crush 1 tsp with a rolling pin or mortar and pestle. Place the crushed seeds in a clean kettle and add a cup of boiling water. Let the water steep for 10 – 20 minutes, then pour the mixture through a strainer and enjoy the resulting beverage. This infusion can be used once or twice a day for the management of rheumatism and arthritis.
2. Try adding 1 tsp of whole or lightly crushed celery seeds to your favorite bread recipes, salad dressings, or soup. You can enjoy a little bit of nature’s medicine while preparing your favorite meals. You might be surprised at just how many recipes these little seeds can improve.
3. Oil made from celery seeds has many potent effects, including supporting healthy liver and digestive function. Some therapeutic celery seed oil should be mixed in a 1:1 ratio with a neutral carrier oil for easier administration. Simply place a few drops of the prepared oil on your wrists or temples to begin enjoying the oil’s anti-anxiety properties.
4. Place a few drops of celery seed oil into a personal diffuser pendant. Your body will warm the oil and release its beneficial chemistry. You can experience this calming scent all day long without applying any directly to your body.
5. Add that fresh, spicy scent to your home work space by placing a few drops of prepared celery seed oil in a diffuser. This can help promote a calm, focused environment that is filled with a clean, bright scent.