2 Answers

Not many people in the Western world know about celery seed, although it has been used as medicine for thousands of years in other parts of the world. During ancient times, Indian Ayurvedic medicine used celery seed to treat colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and certain diseases of the liver and spleen.

Today, celery seed is used primarily as a diuretic, meaning it increases urine output to help the body get rid of excess water. Celery seed is also sometimes used for treating arthritis and gout, and to help reduce muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation. However, there are no scientific studies in people that show whether celery seed helps treat conditions or any others. Studies do show that celery seeds act as a mosquito repellent.

A few animal studies suggest that celery seed extracts may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as protect the liver from damaging substances such as the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol). But again, researchers don' t know whether that would be true in people.

In humans, researchers have found that people who eat a diet rich in lutein -- found in celery, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, carrots, and greens -- were less likely to develop colorectal cancer. However, celery was just one part of their diet. So no one knows whether it was celery, another food, or some combination of foods that lowered their risk of cancer.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/celery-seed-000231.htm/

Is a MUST when making cold slaw...........