Steaming celery is best way to maintain the antioxidants. Boiling and blanching can lead to about 40% loss in antioxidants. Eating it raw is the best way to preserve the vitamins and phytochemicals. [ref]
Species
Pascal or Winter King is the celery typically used for its stocks. This is the celery commonly used for snack and eaten raw.
Chinese celery芹菜 (Qíncài). Used for its leave and stock. It is more pungent and flavorful than Pascal celery.
Celeriac is harvested for its enlarged root. The root can be cooked or eaten raw. Popular in German and Italian cooking.
Growth
— Growing Pascal (regular) celery from stalk
— Growing leaf celery from seed
— Growing celeriac celery from seed
Apium graveolens is in the USDA Plant Database. Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:
USA – USDA Plant Database
TX – USDA Plant Database
USA: Wild celery can be found in multiple states
USDA Zones: 5-9. (Celeriac - zones 8-9. Pascal - zones 2-10)
World: Southern Europe, southern China
Habitats: River banks, sea shores, marshes, ditches. Prefer wet and damp areas
Category: Tonify Qi
English: CeleryPinyin: Qin Cai Pharmaceutical: Apium Graveolens
Contraindications: Medications susceptible to the "grapefruit effect" • Diarrhea • Hypoglycemia • Hypotension
Typical Dosage: Common Vegetable
Parts Used: Stalks • Leaves • Root • Seeds.
Other:
Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Celery contains furanocoumarin, which is the chemical that produces the "grapefruit effect". Furanocoumarin works in the gut and can neutralize drugs enzymes designed to slow down the absorption rate, which means the interaction can lead to a drug overdose.[ref]
Wild celery may be infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and can cause allergic reaction to people sensitive to cucumbers, apples, or watermelon.
Celery is an emmenagogue and should not be used if pregnant or trying to conceive.
Potential Drug Interactions
Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below:
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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