How does it feel?
Celery originated from the Mediterranean but is now cultivated across the world, primarily as a food crop. The plants have distinctive creamy white and green umbels of flowers and its leaves form tall upright rosettes that can reach up to 1m in height. The celery stalks are characteristically succulent and rigid; it is this part of the plant that is used for culinary purposes. It is the celery seeds that are collected for use as a medicinal herb.
All around the world the actions of traditional medicines were understood by their immediate sensory impacts. Click on each of celery seeds’ key qualities below to learn more:
What can I use it for?
Celery seeds contain a pungent volatile oil known as apiol which is a phenolic ether. Apiol is an effective urinary antiseptic and diuretic. It is valuable in the treatment of any urinary or kidney based infections and will target the root cause of the infection in addition to encouraging diuresis and expulsion of any congested toxicity through the urine. Apiole is also effective in treating muscular spasms, such as those associated with menstrual cramping and pain common in musculoskeletal conditions.
Into the heart of celery seeds
Celery seeds are classically used throughout western and eastern medical traditions as an effective diuretic. Ajmoda encourages diuresis and helps to relieve excess inflammation and water retention commonly associated with musculoskeletal conditions.

Due to the antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties of the pungent volatile oil, apiole, it is also effective for muscular cramping and pain that may be associated with an infection.
The combination of antimicrobial and diuretic properties makes ajmoda excellent at encouraging the body to expel congested toxins and wastes, making it an effective whole body cleanser.
The pungency of apiole also encourages dilation of the blood vessels and the bronchioles in the respiratory system, having a positive long-term effect on chronic conditions of the lungs.
Ajmoda is indicated inasthma, bronchitis, cough and sinus congestion. It actively helps to dilate the bronchioles by preventing spasm in the airways and encourage the removal of congested mucous.
Ajmoda is indicated in flatulence, borborygmus and intestinal cramps as apiole will stimulate the digestive metabolism and encourages the natural movement of digestion downwards.
Ajmoda will help relievespasms, cramps and muscular tension. It directly regulates the tension versus relaxation balance in the smooth muscles and can benefit heart pain caused by nervous constriction. As an anti-spasmodic with an affinity for the lower abdomen it can also help ease the pain of dysmenorrhoea and menstrual cramps.
Ajmoda seed is a specific herb for treating kidney and bladder discomfort from cold; frequent, pale urine with lower back ache and nocturia. The vegetable ‘stalk’ heals the urinary system afflicted with problems from heat, such as urinary irritation, cystitis, pain and frequent, dark urination with burning.
Did you know?
Celery grows in dry soil; according to the ‘doctrine of signatures’ this indicates its ability to oppose moisture and absorb damp and mucus based conditions.
Recipes
‘Digestive detox’ tea
This detoxifying blend of tasty seeds and roots will help to regulate digestion, banish sluggishness and cleanse the blood.

Ingredients
- Aniseed 4g
- Fennel seed 4g
- Cardamom pod 3g
- Dandelion root 2g
- Licorice root 1g
- Celery seed 1g
- Lemon a twist per cup
This will serve 2 cups detoxifying tea with a citrus twist.
Method
- Put all of the ingredients in a pot (except for the lemon juice).
- Add 500ml/18fl oz freshly boiled filtered water.
- Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain.
- Enjoy with a twist of lemon in each cup.
Recipe from Cleanse, Nurture, Restore by Sebastian Pole
Additional information
Safety
No drug herb interactions are known.
Traditional actions
Traditional Ayurvedic characteristics are
- Rasa (taste) Pungent, astringent, bitter.
- Virya (action) Heating.
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Pungent.
- Guna (quality) Light, dry, penetrating.
- Dosha effect: strengthens pitta, and reduces excessive vata and kapha
- Dhatu (tissue) Plasma, marrow, nerve.
- Srotas (channels) Digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary.
Dosage
250mg–5g/day or 3–15ml of a 1:3 @ 60% tincture.