Parsley Water: An Easy Spring Cleanse

The magical wonders of parsley… Many of us underestimate parsley as just a garnish to accentuate our plating. But, did you know that parsley has been used medicinally as well as for the intentional purpose of freshening the breath after a meal since the days of Ancient Greeks & Romans? That is why there is a not so random sprig of parsley on your plate when eating out!

My experience with parsley has always been culinary - a fresh garnish for food. Little did I know of its wondrous benefits until I dove into some herbal literature. As much as I love the direct answer to my questions with an internet search of a topic, there’s something timeless about reading about herbs in books. It feels like more of a moment to be present with the plant’s offerings by connecting to the earth element through the physical pages.

Anyways, I didn’t think to look into what parsley offers us until my boss said he was starting a parsley water cleanse! I thought, “parsley cleanse… hmm, can I do that? Sign me up!” I am fairly new to cleansing & experimenting with my eating habits. To be quite honest, I do struggle with sugar cravings & finding reasons to not indulge in whatever my taste buds desire. Nonetheless, I asked what the parsley water cleanse entails & I feel very capable with its requirements!

Simply put, a parsley water cleanse is an easy way to clear stagnation, aid digestion, nourish the organs, purify ama (toxins) & reset your diet. This is a very great introductory level cleanse!

Parsley Water Cleanse Guidelines:

• Eat clean: avoid overly heavy, creamy, cold & wet foods such as dairy, processed sugary foods & alcohol

• Reduce/ avoid caffeine (this is a toughy for many, so do your best to transition from strong forms of caffeine to caffeinated teas if you’re not able or willing to pause caffeine for the duration of your cleanse

• Drink a cup of fresh parsley water 3 x day

How to make Parsley Water:

• Gather 1 bunch per day of cleansing (5-7 days is a great starting range)

• Bring 4 cups of water to a hard boil

• Rinse parsley & cut the bunch in half to better fit your pot

• Reduce water to a soft boil

• Add parsley & submerge in the water

• Set timer for 4 minutes (don’t leave unattended or for extra time as the medicine may burn away quickly)

• Strain & pour into a jar or your preferred drinking container

• Drink 1 cup 3 x day

During winter months, we nourished ourselves with root veggies, grains & warm, heavy foods (rightfully so!). But now, the heaviness of Earth’s energy & the Spring season may have caused an internal stagnation within. Our food cravings are becoming more accustomed to lighter, fresher foods rather than soups & stews. Remember how good a fresh veggie salad with just the right dressing tastes?! That season is approaching :) so it’s a grand time to have a little cleanse in order to reset the body.

Benefits of Parsley Water Cleanse:

• Kidney rejuvenating

• Urinary health

• Aids digestion

• Clears undigested food & built up toxins within the body’s channels (ama)

• Regulating the menstrual cycle

Additional Benefits of Parsley:

• Neutralizes bad breath in dogs & humans

• High in Vitamin A & C

• Healthy for the heart & bones

• Cancer preventative

• Mild aphrodisiac

• Clears bruises: crush sprigs & leave on the affected area for a while. Repeated applications have a good effect

• Breaks down kidney stones

• Clears gas

• Aids in high blood pressure & water retention (edema) as a diuretic

*** Medicinal amounts of parsley may act as an emmenagogue, which invites the onset of menstruation & uterine contractions. Caution to pregnant women, although they may enjoy culinary amounts of parsley or as a tea. Always consult a professional for any herbal remedies.

Whether you’re new to cleansing like me, or have experience, remember to have fun with this experiment & always thank the plant for its offerings. Sometimes we get fixated on our health goals & forget that the health properties of these plants are quite magical to help the body in a variety of ways.

Happy cleansing! :)