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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Phytomedicine"; The Mechanism Underlying the Laxative Properties of Parsley Extract; S.Kreydiyyeh, et al.; September 2001
- "Phytomedicine"; The Mechanism Underlying the Laxative Properties of Parsley Extract; S.Kreydiyyeh, et al.; September 2001
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Diuretic Effect and Mechanism of Action of Parsley; S.Kreydiyyeh; March 2002
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Diuretic Effect and Mechanism of Action of Parsley; S.Kreydiyyeh; March 2002
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Can Parsley Tea Be Harmful?
Herbal teas may appear innocuous, especially if they contain common cooking herbs such as parsley, which has no harmful effects when used in normal quantities in foods 1. But because herbal teas contain a more concentrated form of the herb, they can have harmful effects if you drink them in large enough quantities.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Fluid Loss
The oil found in the roots and leaves of parsley contains two substances, myristicin and apiol, which can have a diuretic and laxative effect 1. Drinking large amounts of parsley tea could lead to potassium and sodium loss from diuresis, researchers from the University of Beirut reported in the March 2002 "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Parsley may also have a laxative effect due to its actions on fluid absorption from the colon, the same researchers reported in the September 2001 issue of "Phytomedicine." Drinking large amounts of parsley tea could cause fluid loss through diarrhea as well as through diuresis, possibly leading to dehydration 14.
Hallucinogenic Effects
Does Parsley Clean the Kidneys?
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Myristicin plays a role in the hallucinognic effects of nutmeg and may have the same effects when consumed in large amounts of parsley 1. Consuming large amounts of parsley oil can cause giddiness and loss of balance 1.
Pregnancy Effects
Parsley tea can have several negative effects during pregnancy 1. Apiol and myristicin in parsley can cause uterine contractions 1. Ingesting large amounts of these substances could cause miscarriage or preterm labor. Parley can also cause a potentially dangerous increase in the fetal heart rate and could affect your baby's hemoglobin level; hemoglobin, part of the red blood cell, carries oxygen throughout the body.
Potential Allergic Reactions
What Are the Health Benefits of Parsley Tea?
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If you have an allergy to other members of the Apiaceae family, such as carrots, celery or fennel, you have an increased risk of having an allergic reaction to parsley 1. Allergic reactions could include hives, rash, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, itching or facial swelling. Report allergic reactions to your medical practitioner and don't drink large amounts of parsley tea if you have a carrot, celery or fennel allergy until you're sure you won't have an allergic reaction 1.
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References
- Drugs.com: Parsley
- "Phytomedicine"; The Mechanism Underlying the Laxative Properties of Parsley Extract; S.Kreydiyyeh, et al.; September 2001
- NYU Lagone Medical Center: Parsley; August 2011
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Diuretic Effect and Mechanism of Action of Parsley; S.Kreydiyyeh; March 2002
- DermNet NZ: Parsley
- Therapeutic Research Center - Natural Medicines. Parsley.
- Kaefer, Christine M., and John A. Milner. “The Role of Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention.” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 19.6 (2008): 347–361.
- Alyami, Fahad & Rabah, Danny. Effect of drinking parsley leaf tea on urinary composition and urinary stones′ risk factors. Saudi journal of kidney diseases and transplantation: an official publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia. 22. 511-4.
Writer Bio
A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. Perkins also has extensive experience working in home health with medically fragile pediatric patients.