Celery

The ancient Greeks gave celery wine to winning athletes, and celery elixirs have been used in healing throughout history.  India's traditional Ayurvedic physicians have prescribed celery seed since ancient times as a diuretic to treat water retention and as a treatment for colds, flu, indigestion, arthritis, and diseases of the liver and spleen.

Celery seed contains a diuretic substance. This finding lends credence to its traditional use in treating obesity, because celery would tend to eliminate water weight.  Keep in mind, however, that any water weight lost using diuretics invariably returns.  The key to permanent weight control is low fat, high-complex-carbohydrate diet and regular aerobic exercise.

Physicians prescribe diuretics for high blood pressure.  In one study, celery oil injections significantly reduced blood pressure in rabbits and dogs.  Of course, people don't take their celery by syringe, so Chinese researchers gave the herb to 16 people suffering from high blood pressure.  Fourteen showed significant reductions.

Celery seed oil contains chemicals (phthalides) that have sedative effects in animals.  Animal findings don't always apply to humans, but if you're anxious, nervous, or wakeful, try this herb and see if it works for you.