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SMALLAGE APIUM GRAVEOLENS The leaves ... eaten in the spring, sweeten and purify the blood, and help the scurvy. A biennial, Smallage is also called Wild Celery. The roots are about a finger thick, wrinkled and grow deep in the earth. The stems are about three feet (90 cm) high with yellowish winged leaves, and it has umbels of small white flowers. Where to find it: Marshes and damp land, especially near the sea. Flowering time: Summer. Astrology: It is under Mercury. Medicinal virtues: The roots provoke the urine and are effectual where there is stoppage, or for removing stone and gravel. They also open obstructions of the liver and spleen, help dropsy and jaundice and remove female obstructions. The leaves are of the same nature, and are eaten in the spring. The seeds are hot and carminative, and therefore good for the wind. Modern uses: Although similar to Garden Celery, the wild variety has an unpleasant odour. The seeds and stems are mainly used to flavour other medicines, and as a tonic. It is normally prescribed as a fluid extract, the dose ( which is three to seven drops every three or four hours. As a nerve tonic it is combined with Scullcap. For rheumatism and arthritis, combine with Damiana. The powdered seeds are used in doses of 2o-6o grains (I.3 to 3.9 g) when the extract is not available. |