Parsley - Petroselinum sativum
Parsley is a biennial
or perennial herb with a thin white spindle-shaped root and a grooved,
glabrous, angular stem. The lower leaves are bi- or tri-ternately divided,
while the upper leaves are three-cleft. The leaves are dark green and shiny
adn the white or greenish-yellow flowers appear in June to August.
It
is perhaps the most widely used culinary garnish, enhancing the presentation
of a vast array of dishes.
However, it may also be used for it's
lesser known medicinal properties. Parsley contains very high levels of
vitamins A and C, and as such will soothe, cleanse and heal the skin where
irritation and inflamation are present.
A parsley infusion or
tincture can be substituted for water in recipes for skin creams and
balms. It will be extremely effective if combined with rose, chickweed,
lavender or chamomile.