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Muslims long ago discovered that this plant might contain some benefits beyond just decorating the dinner table.
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Parsley: Herbal Multivitamin?

Nora Belfadl
26 March, 2021

Parsley in Modern Nutrition

Parsley: Herbal Multivitamin? - About Islam

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, one cup of minced parsley contains more beta-carotene than a large carrot, almost twice as much vitamin C as an orange, more calcium than a cup of milk, and 20 times as much iron as one serving of liver (Hurley).

“Parsley is just like an immune-enhancing multivitamin and mineral complex in green plant form,” writes McKeith (McKeith, pg.4).

She compiled the following list of all the vitamins and minerals parsley contains:

  1. Vitamin A or beta-carotene: used for improving night vision and healthy skin.
  2. All B Vitamins, especially B2, which is required for the use of oxygen and amino acids; B3, which is necessary for cell respiration and helps in the release of energy; and B9, which is a DNA synthesizer.
  3. Vitamin C: protects body against pollutants and helps synthesizing neurotransmitters.
  4. Iron: needed for the production of hemoglobin and for energy.
  5. Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant and protects cells from ageing.
  6. Vitamin K: used to control blood clotting and synthesize liver proteins.
  7. Manganese: helps the body to utilize vitamin C, produces sex hormones and breast milk.
  8. Potassium: needed for growth, building muscles and nerve transmission.
  9. Zinc: necessary for immune system function and protects against skin problems like acne.
  10. Calcium: necessary for strong bones, teeth and hair (note that dried parsley contains more calcium than the fresh plant).

Parsley is also very abundant in fibers and chlorophyll, which purify, stop the spread of bacteria and help to increase immune response. It also contains many other important nutrients such as: lysine, glutamine, and vanadium (anyvitamins.com and aprifel.com).

Read Also: 10 Hadiths on Health and Hygiene

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Under Islamic Scope

The Prophet Mohammad (saws) said, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He has also created its treatment” (Bukhari). Indeed, through the ages, parsley has been used to treat several diseases such as cough, hair growth, arthritis and rheumatism. “It has helped in passing all stones in bladder infections,” writes Varro E. Tyler, in his book Herbs of Choice (Tyler, p.76).

Furthermore, parsley is a cleansing agent for the kidneys, liver and bladder and has a draining effect on cellulites. For women, it ameliorates estrogen production, nourishes the blood of the uterus and assists women with menstruation issues such as PMS and menopause.

Although it is an important herb for women, pregnant women should not use it, for it may bring on early labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Nursing women should also avoid it as it may dry up milk (allheath.com).

Finally, parsley also has uses around the home. It can keep a room smelling fresh and clean. When a person is frying food, a branch of parsley in the oil will keep the smell of the oil from spreading throughout the house. In this way parsley can assist Muslims in not only being healthy, but in maintaining a clean home as well.

References

This article is from our archive, originally published on an earlier date, and now highlighted for its importance.

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