What is celery?

Celery (Apium graveolens) belongs to the carrot and parsley family. It has been cultivated since ancient times as both a food and traditional herbal remedy.

The crunchy stalks are the most familiar part of celery in Western diets. However, celery seed has a longer history of traditional medicinal use.

Celery seed has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Traditional uses have included supporting healthy fluid balance, joint comfort and cardiovascular wellbeing.

Modern research has identified 3 n butylphthalide (3nB) as one of celery’s most studied plant compounds. Celery also contains flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular support

Celery has been studied for its potential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Several plant compounds may contribute to these effects.

3 n butylphthalide (3nB) has been studied for its effects on vascular smooth muscle. It may help promote blood vessel relaxation and support healthy blood pressure.

Celery also contains naturally occurring nitrates, similar to those found in beetroot. Your body converts nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps support healthy blood flow and vascular function.

Apigenin is another important flavonoid found in celery. Research has explored its potential effects on calcium channels and vascular function.

Together, these compounds may help explain celery’s traditional use for cardiovascular wellbeing. More human research is needed to establish the extent of these effects.

Kidney function and mild diuretic activity

Celery seed has a long history of traditional use as a mild diuretic. It may support healthy urine production and normal kidney function.

This diuretic effect may help your body manage fluid balance and support normal urinary function. Celery also provides antioxidant flavonoids that contribute to its nutritional profile.

Traditional herbal medicine has also used celery seed in formulas for joint comfort. Its diuretic properties have been suggested as one possible reason for this traditional use.

However, there is limited evidence that increased urine output directly supports the clearance of waste products from joint tissue. More research is needed to understand celery seed’s effects on joint health.

Digestive comfort and practical use

Celery seed and celery juice are traditionally used to support digestive comfort. Essential oils in celery seed have mild carminative properties that may help ease bloating after meals.

Fresh celery stalks and juice provide a hydrating, low calorie source of naturally occurring plant compounds. Celery seed extract offers a more concentrated option in capsule or tablet form.

Celery seed supplements may appeal if you’re particularly interested in cardiovascular or kidney support. However, evidence for these specific benefits remains limited.

Celery seed extract is generally well tolerated when used as directed. If you’re allergic to fennel, parsnip or related plants, take care with celery products.