Sacred Scents. June 2012 Essential oil of the Month: Celery seed. Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, CMT, AS, CBS

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1 Sacred Scents June 2012 Essential oil of the Month: Celery seed By Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, CMT, AS, CBS Botanical Name: Apium graveolens. Other names include leaf celery, knob celery, celery root, Pascal celery, smallage, and a whole host of foreign names. Another edible variety is called celeriac (Rapaceum graveolens). Why I love this essential oil: Celery seed has a beautiful, somewhat earthy, yet elevating aroma. It has a sacred and captivating bouquet. I love how it fills my brain with a calm sense of joy. It opens me in subtle ways. I feel connected to the earth and the angelic realms at the same time. The scent in my nasal passages remains long after I have put the bottle down. I feel as if I am still smelling celery seed essential oil half an hour later. It is an amazing sacred oil. Aroma, scent, and color: Its aroma is fresh, sweet, warm, and with a spicy tone. The color is yellowish brown. Native to and history: Apium comes from the Celtic word apon, meaning water. Graveolens is a Latin word meaning gravity or heavy. Another name for celery is selinun. Homer the Greek writer, referred to celery as selinon. The French word for celery is celeri. Celery is a member of the parsley family. Celery was a sacred plant because of the numerous health benefits people discovered. It may help to balance the body with its therapeutic properties. It stimulates appetite. It is antiseptic, antispasmodic, an anti-depressant, anti-cancer. It aids digestion, carminative, emmenagogue. It was used for gout, irregular menstrual cycles and much more. Celery leaves and inflorescences (group or clusters of flowers) were discovered in the garlands found in Pharaoh King Tutankhamun's tomb (died in 1323 BC). Woven celery was found in many Egyptian tombs. Celery medicaps were used in 7th century BC. Celery was said to have sprouted from the blood of one of the Greek gods. During the classical period of Greece, celery was worn in Nemean games similar to the bay leaves used in the Olympic games. The Nemean games 1

2 were played every four years and two years after each Olympic games. The Greeks revered celery as a holy plant. They also minted silver coins called drachma that had celery leaves on both sides. Celery was that important to them. To the Egyptians and Romans, celery symbolized death as the great journey into the afterworld. It symbolized a celebration and honoring of a sacred life. It also symbolized the loss of a loved one expressed as grief. Celery is native to Southern Europe, where it grows around salt marshes. In the 17th century, the Italians cultivated this plant. Western Europeans cultivated celery as a vegetable. Today, celery is one of the few plants cultivated worldwide. The cultivated varieties are primarily the Pascal and celeriac varieties. Scented smallage is a name given to this plant meaning all parts of the plant are used for cooking (especially soups), food flavorings and in salads. The largest producers of celery seed essential oil are China, Hungary, India, and USA. Chemistry: Celery seed is a complex essential oil containing at least sixteen known chemical compounds. Celery seed contains four known types (70-85%) of monoterpenes. Monoterpenes are volatile, and they absorb quickly into the bloodstream. They have the quickest physiological response on the body. They are immune stimulating, antiseptic, and a tonic. They are beneficial due to their mildness and safety. They may irritate some skin. Celery seed contains two known types (2-23%) of esters. Esters are antispasmodic, sedative, adaptogenic, and anti-inflammatory. Celery seed contains three known types (6-16%) of lactones. Lactones are another form of esters and they are sedative, antispasmodic, adaptogenic and antiinflammatory. Celery seed contains two known types (1-2%) of sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are sedative, anti-inflammatory, immune supportive, antispasmodic, analgesic and very calming to the body. Celery seed contains one known type (8-10%) of ketone. Ketones are mucolytic, antimicrobial and skin healing. For some they may be hepatotoxic and neurotoxic. Celery seed contains two known types (3-6%) of carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids can be skin irritating and when coumarins are present they help one relax. Caution is advised because they may be phototoxic (when applied to the skin and the skin is exposed to sunlight there is a reaction). Celery seed contains one known type (1-2%) of alcohols. Alcohols are anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, support the immune system and sedative. They are very calming to the body. Celery seed contains one known type (0-1%) of furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins have traits that are calming, anti-microbial, skin healing as well as a tonic. 2

3 Part of the plant: Celery seed essential oil from this biennial plant is steam distilled from the tiny brown crushed seeds. The celery plant is two feet high with whitish flowers, erect stalk, and fragile green leaves. It grows best in moist ground near the sea. Celery seed may help with the following conditions: Arthritis, balances endocrine system, bloating, bronchitis, cystitis, decreases uric acid in joints, digestion, dyspepsia, flatulence, glands (swollen), gout (reduces uric acid), halitosis, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, irregular monthly cycles, jaundice, kidney detoxification (after illness), lactation (increases breast milk flow), liver congestion (after infection), lymphatic drainage, menstruation, nervous disorders, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, sexual problems, skin issues, and urine flow (increases) Body Mind and Spirit: Celery is rich in minerals. We are familiar with it as a domestic spice. The Egyptians used celery to relieve swollen limbs. It has diuretic properties to reduce cellulite and water retention. It cleanses the liver, bladder, and spleen. It is effective in clearing toxins from the blood. It is widely used in removing uric acid from joints. It is beneficial to the digestive tract because of its carminative (expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines) property. It promotes a restful sleep as it helps to relax the sympathetic nervous system. People who eat a high lutein diet (carrots, celery, broccoli, lettuce, oranges, spinach, and tomatoes) are less likely to develop colorectal cancer. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends celery for rheumatoid arthritis and mental depression. Celery seed is also used to lower blood pressure. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine, celery seed clears fire toxins, descends stomach qi (relieving bloating, belching and vomiting), drains dampness, and expels wind-damp qi (obstruction) as it regulates liver qi to consolidate yin in the body. Dennis Willmont writes in Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine celery seed rectifies or reduces redness of skin, skin stains and spots, and puffiness. Celery seed essential oil blends with: Angelica, basil, black pepper, cajuput, chamomile, cinnamon clove bud, coriander, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, melaleuca (tea tree), oakmoss, opopanax, orange, palmarosa, pine, rosemary Contraindications and Precautions: Avoid using celery seed essential oil on children under the age of six. Avoid celery seed essential oil when pregnant. Celery seed may cause uterine bleeding and muscle contractions. Dilution is required. It may cause skin irritation. Avoid with 3

4 kidney inflammation. If you are allergic to birch pollen you may be allergic to celery seed. Celery seed may interact with diuretics, thyroid medications, sedatives, lithium, and blood-thinning medications. Always ask your pharmacist if celery seed essential oil is a problem with your medications. Did you know? Celery seed is an ingredient in birdseed. Recipes: Synergistic blend 2 drops celery seed 1 drop frankincense 3 drops juniper berry 1/2 oz. of your favorite unscented massage lotion or carrier oil Blend above ingredients and apply to swollen area. Restful sleep Inhale celery seed essential oil prior to retiring. Celery seed promotes a good night's sleep. Clears mental clutter 6 drops celery seed 3 drops rosewood 2 drops orange 1/2 oz. of your favorite carrier oil or unscented lotion Blend above ingredients and apply to neck, shoulders and chest area. Celery seed quiets an overactive mind. Urinary blend 6 drops celery seed 5 drops juniper 2 drops rosemary 1/2 oz. of your favorite carrier oil or unscented lotion Blend the above ingredients and apply as a massage blend for joint discomfort, as well as cellulite issues. Testimonial: For years, I had an irregular monthly cycle. After using celery seed essential oil, I am on a regular cycle. I am so grateful. A friend also uses celery seed essential oil for his gout and gets relief. AJS Did you know? Gardening companies spray celery seeds with chemicals unless they are organic. 4

5 Quote of the month: A fragrant scent wafting through the air seemingly appearing insignificant - yet having the power to evoke feelings and emotions; produce memories that can last for the duration of a lifetime. Resources: Aromatherapy solutions Veronica Sibley Aromatherapy for the Massage Practitioner Ingrid Martin Reference guide for Essential Oils Connie and Allan Higley Aromatherapy with Chinese medicine Dennis Willmont The chemistry of essential oils made simple David Stewart, PhD. The Directory of essential oils Wanda Sellar Aromatherapy blends and remedies Franzesca Watson The Healing intelligence of essential oils Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. Materia Medica of Essential Oils (Based on a Chinese Medical Perspective) Jeffrey C. Yuen The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils Julia Lawless Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and techniques mentioned are for educational purposes only. The information provided is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prescribe or prevent any disease. The decision to use any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. 5