Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is best known for its versatility in the kitchen in both the flat and curly variety but it can also be valuable for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greeks had a high opinion of Parsley, and associated it with Hercules, the mythological symbol of strength. It has been said that they fed parsley to racehorses to give them stamina and awarded crowns of parsley to victors in athletic contests (who knows, it could be true!). This is perhaps why many of us have a custom of adorning our food with sprigs of parsley, which most people don’t eat! Although maybe they should because it has the ability to freshen breath and neutralize indigestion – due to the chlorophyll content.

Parsley is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, containing vitamins A, C (more per volume then an orange!), calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Taken internally it has traditionally been used as a liver tonic to break up kidney stones, to treat and/or prevent Urinary Tract Infections, and the root has laxative properties. To take it internally you can juice it, make a tea, take it in capsule form, and start eating the parsley garnish on your plates!

By Angelica Fisher, Intern with OUR Ecovillage, Instagram: @angel_fish254

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Land acknowledgment

OUR ECOVILLAGE is situated on unceded Indigenous lands. The Coast Salish Peoples are the guardians of these lands and waters where we live, work, pray, and play. Quw’utsun (Cowichan) is a historical place of gathering and Na’tsa’ maht Shqwaluwun/”one-heart one-mind” for many Indigenous peoples.

OUR ECOVILLAGE is committed to regenerate land and all ecosystems while acknowledging and respecting Indigenous knowledge that ensures thriving for all beings; we call this Permaculture.

OUR ECOVILLAGE is dedicated to continuously educating ourselves and our communities about the history and peoples of OUR bio-region, to assist in decolonization and re-villaging as a path towards peacemaking, from local to global.