Authored by: Emily Cuthbert

Latin Name: Apium graveolens

Standardized Common Name: Celery 

Sanskrit Name: Ajmoda

Family: Apiaceae

Parts Used: Fruit (Seed)

Energetics:

  • Taste (Rasa): Pungent, Bitter
  • Potency/Action (Virya): Warm
  • Post-digestion effect (Vipaka): Pungent
  • Doshas:  VK- P+

Constituents:

  • Volatile oil
    • Limonene
    • Selenine
  • Flavonoids
    • Isoquercitin
  • Fatty acids
  • Furanocoumarins
  • Alkaloids

Actions: Apium graveolens has heating and calming properties, as well as an array of actions that work on several body systems, including the urinary, circulatory, digestive and cardiovascular.

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Carminative
  • Mild sedative
  • Diuretic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Galactagogue
  • Nervine relaxant
  • Uterine stimulant

Indications: Gas, cramping, dysmenorrhea, loss of uterine tone, constipation, high blood pressure, worms, poor eye health, loss of appetite

Safety/Contraindications: Furanocoumarins cause photosensitivity to the skin, avoid being in the sun when taking celery medicinally. Avoid in pregnancy.

Preparations and Doses:

Powder: Up to 10 grams per day

References:

  • Bhandari DRM, Written by Dr. Ram Mani Bhandari, Bhandari DRM. Ajmoda (Celery Seed ). Ayurveda Blog. https://ayurmantra.com/ajmoda-celery-seed.html. Accessed May 11, 2021.
  • Marciano M, Vizniak NA. Evidence Informed Botanical Medicine. Canada: Professional Health Systems Inc.; 2015.
  • Skenderi G. Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc., Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press; 2004.