(Petroselinum sativum) Traditionally used to soothe bruises and minor broken blood vessels just below the skin, as a skin and scalp tonic.
Research Zheng, G. reported that myristicin (a key constituent in Parsley Seed oil) is a "potential cancer chemopreventative" agent, Agric. Food Chem.. 1992; 40:107-110.
"Non-alcoholic drinks, especially cola, are a major souce of human myristicin intake." It is especially toxic to cats. "It is estimated that a typical daily intake of myristicin in essential oils and spices in food is unlikely to cause adverse effects in humans." (Tisserand, page 605)
"Myristicin was found to possess 'extraordinarily potent hepatoprotective activity' in rats, against liver damage . . .."
*See SAFETY information at the bottom of this page. Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Tisserand notes that the maximum dermal use level is 1.1% based on parsley apiole at 67.5%. HEO's current batch has apiole at less than 3%. Children: For infants and children, please follow the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page.
Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler
Internal: Parsley Seed essential oil is suitable for internal use within safe parameters, if such use is deemed appropriate.
Tisserand suggests a maximum daily oral dose of about a drop based on 67.5% parsley apiole. HEO's currect batch has apiole at less than 3%.
We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils internally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for information about internal usage.
May interact with Pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs. Contraindicated with kidney disease.
Tisserand states that Parsley Seed oil does not exhibit any neurotoxic properties. Someone injested 1mL of parsley seed oil and experienced no psychotropic effects. It is however contraindicated in inflammatory kidney disease and pregnancy (although Tisserand notes that is is probably safe in small enough doses). Tisserand notes: "The lowest daily dose of parsley apiole that induced abortion was 900 mg (30 drops) taken for 8 consecutive days." Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.
