Herbal Monograph
Celery seed
Apium graveolens L.
Apiaceae (Carrot/Umbellifer family)
Classic anti-gout herb — warming diuretic with blood pressure-lowering phthalides
Overview
Plant Description
Biennial herb (grown as annual in cultivation), 30–100 cm tall in the first year, bolting to 60–150 cm in the second year. Stems erect, grooved, branching, hollow, with a characteristic strong celery aroma. Basal leaves pinnately compound, with 3–5 pairs of ovate to rhomboid, coarsely serrate or lobed leaflets, 2–5 cm long, on long petioles. Upper leaves smaller, trifoliate. Flowers tiny, white to greenish-white, borne in compound umbels (5–12 rays) without involucral bracts, blooming June–August. Fruit (commonly called 'seed') a schizocarp, 1.5–2 mm long, ovoid, laterally compressed, splitting into two mericarps, each with 5 prominent ribs and oil ducts (vittae) containing the volatile oil. The fruit is gray-brown, strongly aromatic with the characteristic celery scent. The entire plant is aromatic.
Habitat
Wild celery (var. graveolens) is native to marshy, saline, and coastal habitats — salt marshes, tidal estuaries, damp grasslands, and brackish ditches in coastal and low-lying areas. Prefers moist to wet, moderately saline soils in full sun. In the wild, found at elevations from sea level to about 300 m. Cultivated celery requires fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Distribution
Wild celery is native to the Mediterranean Basin, the Atlantic coasts of Europe from Britain to North Africa, the Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Turkey), and eastward to western Central Asia. Naturalized in parts of North and South America, Australia, and East Asia. Cultivated worldwide as a vegetable (stalk celery, celeriac) and for seed production. Major seed production regions include India (Gujarat, Rajasthan), France, China, and the United States.
Parts Used
Seed (fruit/schizocarp)
Preferred: Whole dried seed for decoction or infusion; crushed seed for tincture; seed extract in capsules
The primary medicinal part. The ripe dried fruits (commonly called 'seeds') are the official drug in most pharmacopeias and herbal references. The volatile oil content (2–3%) resides in the vittae (oil ducts) within the fruit wall. Celery seed is the most concentrated source of the characteristic bioactive compounds, particularly 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) and sedanolide. The seed is also the part most commonly used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for joint conditions.
Seed essential oil
Preferred: Steam-distilled essential oil; use only in diluted form internally or topically
Steam-distilled essential oil from the ripe seeds. Contains high concentrations of limonene (60–70%), β-selinene, sedanolide, and 3-n-butylphthalide. Used in smaller doses than crude seed due to concentration. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent.
Root
Preferred: Fresh or dried root for decoction
The root of wild celery (Apium graveolens var. graveolens) was historically used in European and Unani herbal medicine as a diuretic, carminative, and for joint complaints. Less commonly used today than the seed. The root of celeriac (var. rapaceum) is primarily a food.
Whole herb (aerial parts)
Preferred: Fresh juice; dried aerial parts for infusion
Fresh stalk and leaf celery is consumed as a vegetable and has mild diuretic and alkalizing properties. The juice is used in naturopathic practice for gout, arthritis, and hypertension. Nutritionally rich in vitamin K, folate, potassium, and phytonutrients. The aerial parts contain lower volatile oil concentrations than the seed.
Key Constituents
Phthalides
The phthalide fraction is the pharmacological basis for celery seed's cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. 3nB is the most studied and most potent of the celery phthalides. The Chinese pharmaceutical development of dl-3nB (NBP) as an approved stroke drug provides the strongest pharmacological validation of any single celery compound. The phthalides act synergistically with the flavonoid and coumarin fractions.
Volatile oil (terpenoids)
The terpenoid fraction dominated by limonene provides anti-inflammatory, carminative, and gastroprotective effects. These compounds contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory profile alongside the phthalides and flavonoids. The volatile oil as a whole has documented antimicrobial activity against common pathogens.
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds
The flavonoid fraction provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support that complements the phthalide-driven cardiovascular effects. Apigenin's anxiolytic activity via GABA receptor modulation may contribute to the traditional sedative/nervine reputation of celery. Luteolin contributes to the anti-arthritic and anti-allergic traditional uses.
Coumarins and furanocoumarins
The furanocoumarin content is clinically important primarily as a SAFETY consideration — photosensitization risk, especially in fair-skinned individuals taking celery seed supplements in combination with UV exposure. The furanocoumarins also contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of celery. Importantly, furanocoumarins are known inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP1A2, and CYP2D6 — relevant to the drug interaction profile.
Fatty acids and other constituents
Petroselinic acid is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid unique to the Apiaceae that contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory profile of celery seed. The high potassium content of the whole plant supports the diuretic and blood pressure-lowering traditional uses.
Herbal Actions
Reduces inflammation
Multi-pathway anti-inflammatory activity from phthalides (3nB, sedanolide), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), and petroselinic acid. Mechanisms include COX-2 inhibition, NF-κB suppression, LOX inhibition, and reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. This broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory profile underlies the traditional use for gout, arthritis, and rheumatic conditions. Animal studies consistently demonstrate significant reduction in paw edema, joint swelling, and inflammatory markers.
[2, 4]Increases urine production and output
Mild aquaretic diuretic that increases urine volume and sodium excretion without significant potassium depletion (the seed itself is potassium-rich). The diuretic effect is attributed to the volatile oil fraction (particularly limonene and the phthalides) acting on renal tubular function, combined with the flavonoid apigenin. Traditional use as a diuretic for edema, urinary tract support, and as an adjunct in hypertension management.
[2, 4]Lowers blood pressure
Blood pressure-lowering effect mediated primarily by 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB): relaxes vascular smooth muscle via calcium channel antagonism, increases prostacyclin (PGI2) production, and has mild diuretic effects. Animal studies show dose-dependent blood pressure reduction. A pilot human clinical study of celery seed extract (150 mg/day standardized to 85% 3nB) showed significant systolic and diastolic BP reduction over 6 weeks.
[3]Relieves intestinal gas and bloating
The volatile oil relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasm and reduces gas formation. Traditional use as a digestive carminative in European, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine. The bitter aromatic quality of celery seed also stimulates digestive secretions.
[2]Relieves smooth muscle spasm
Smooth muscle relaxant activity demonstrated in isolated tissue preparations (guinea pig ileum, rat aorta, tracheal smooth muscle). The phthalides and volatile oil components inhibit calcium influx and reduce smooth muscle tone. Relevant to both GI and vascular smooth muscle relaxation.
[4]Relieves pain
Mild analgesic properties demonstrated in animal pain models (acetic acid writhing, formalin test). The mechanism likely involves COX inhibition, reduced prostaglandin synthesis, and central analgesic pathways. Supports the traditional use for joint pain, headache, and muscular aches.
[4]Supports and calms the nervous system
Mild sedative and anxiolytic activity attributed to apigenin (GABA-A receptor modulation) and the phthalide fraction. Traditional use as a calming agent and sleep aid in Ayurvedic and European folk medicine, though celery seed is not a primary nervine herb.
[2]Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
The essential oil demonstrates moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and some antifungal activity (Candida albicans). Limonene and the phthalides are the primary antimicrobial constituents. Contributes to urinary antiseptic properties when eliminated through the kidneys.
[4]Therapeutic Indications
Musculoskeletal System
Gout and hyperuricemia
One of the most prominent traditional uses of celery seed. The proposed mechanisms are multiple: (1) diuretic action increases uric acid excretion, (2) anti-inflammatory activity reduces acute gouty inflammation, (3) alkalizing effect on urine may enhance urate solubility, and (4) xanthine oxidase inhibition has been demonstrated in vitro for celery extracts. Widely used in Western herbal, Ayurvedic, and Unani practice for gout. No large-scale clinical trials, but the pharmacological rationale is plausible.
[2, 4]Osteoarthritis and rheumatic conditions
Traditional use for joint pain and stiffness in multiple herbal traditions. The multi-target anti-inflammatory profile (COX-2, LOX, NF-κB, cytokine reduction) supports symptomatic relief. A small clinical study of celery seed extract showed improvement in pain and mobility scores in osteoarthritis patients. The diuretic action may also help reduce joint swelling.
[4]Cardiovascular System
Hypertension (mild to moderate)
The best-studied modern indication. 3-n-Butylphthalide (3nB) lowers blood pressure through vascular smooth muscle relaxation, increased prostacyclin, and mild diuresis. A pilot clinical trial (Moghadam et al., 2013) demonstrated significant blood pressure reduction with celery seed extract standardized to 3nB. Traditional use in Chinese folk medicine and Ayurveda for elevated blood pressure. The whole food (celery juice/stalks) is widely promoted in naturopathic practice for hypertension.
[3]Hyperlipidemia
Animal studies show celery seed extract reduces total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in high-fat diet models. The mechanism involves modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism and possible HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. Supporting traditional use but limited human data.
[4]Urinary System
Edema and fluid retention
Long-standing traditional use across European, Ayurvedic, and Unani traditions as a diuretic for generalized edema, bloating, and premenstrual water retention. The volatile oil fraction and flavonoids promote gentle diuresis without aggressive potassium depletion. Often combined with dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) for enhanced effect.
[2]Urinary tract infections (supportive)
The diuretic flush combined with mild urinary antiseptic properties (volatile oil components excreted through kidneys) provides supportive care for uncomplicated lower UTIs. Not a replacement for antibiotics in acute infection. Traditional European use as a 'urinary cleanser.'
[2]Digestive System
Dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence
Classic carminative use across multiple traditions. The volatile oil relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, reduces gas, and the bitter aromatic quality stimulates digestive secretions (gastric acid, bile). Used in Ayurvedic medicine (Ajmoda) for agnimandya (weak digestive fire) and abdominal distension.
[2]Nervous System
Mild anxiety and restlessness
Apigenin's anxiolytic activity via positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, combined with the sedative properties of the phthalide fraction, supports mild anxiolytic use. Celery seed is not a primary anxiolytic herb but can contribute to calming formulas.
[4]Reproductive System
Menstrual irregularity and amenorrhea
Traditional use as a mild emmenagogue in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. The volatile oil and apiol-like compounds may stimulate uterine tone. This traditional use is also the basis for the pregnancy contraindication — emmenagogue herbs may theoretically promote uterine contractions.
[4]Energetics
Temperature
warm
Moisture
dry
Taste
Tissue States
damp/stagnation, cold/depression
Celery seed is a warming, drying aromatic bitter. In Western energetic terms, it is best suited for conditions of cold, damp stagnation — particularly boggy, swollen joints (gout, rheumatic arthritis), sluggish digestion with gas and bloating, and fluid retention. The warming diuretic action clears damp accumulation through increased urinary output. The bitter quality stimulates sluggish digestion and hepatic function. In Ayurvedic terms: reduces Kapha and Vata, may increase Pitta in excess. In Unani medicine classified as hot and dry in the second degree (Haar wa Yabis fil Darajatil Saniyah).
Traditional Uses
Western herbal medicine
- Primary use for gout, rheumatism, and arthritic joint conditions — one of the most widely recommended herbs for uric acid-related conditions
- Diuretic for edema, fluid retention, and urinary gravel
- Carminative and digestive stimulant for bloating, flatulence, and sluggish digestion
- Mild sedative for nervousness and insomnia (in combination formulas)
- Blood pressure support in hypertension (modern naturopathic use)
- Often combined with dandelion (Taraxacum) as a classic anti-gout/diuretic pair
- Used as a 'spring cleanse' herb for its diuretic and alterative properties
"Celery seed has been used in European herbal medicine since at least the Middle Ages, though the plant's medicinal use dates to ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described celery as a nerve-calming herb. In the European tradition, the seed became the preferred medicinal part by the 17th century, valued for gout, rheumatism, and urinary complaints. Gerard (1597) and Culpeper (1653) both described celery's diuretic and anti-arthritic properties. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1983) lists celery seed for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and urinary tract inflammation."
Ayurvedic medicine
- Known as Ajmoda or Ajmod — a classical Ayurvedic drug
- Used for Vata disorders: joint pain, rheumatic conditions, gout (Vatarakta)
- Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) — stimulates Agni (digestive fire)
- Shoolahara (pain-relieving) for abdominal colic and menstrual cramps
- Mootrala (diuretic) for edema and urinary retention
- Used in formulas for Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis) — clears Ama (metabolic toxins) from joints
- Warming, pungent herb that reduces Kapha and Vata; can increase Pitta in excess
"Celery seed (Ajmoda) appears in classical Ayurvedic texts including the Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. It is classified in the Shoolaprashamana Mahakashaya (pain-relieving group) by Charaka. In the Bhavaprakasha, it is described as deepana (appetizer), pachana (digestant), and kaphavatahara (reducing Kapha and Vata doshas). Widely used in traditional Indian medicine for rheumatic and digestive complaints."
[4]
Unani (Greco-Arabic) medicine
- Known as Tukhm-e-Karafs — classical Unani drug
- Classified as Haar (hot) and Yabis (dry) in the second degree
- Mudir-e-Baul (diuretic) and Mudir-e-Haiz (emmenagogue)
- Used for Waja-ul-Mafasil (joint pain) and Niqris (gout)
- Muqawwi-e-Meda (stomach tonic) for dyspepsia and loss of appetite
- Mushil-e-Riyah (carminative) for abdominal flatulence
- Mohallil (resolvent) for inflammatory swellings
"Celery seed is one of the important drugs in the Unani materia medica, described by Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in the Canon of Medicine (Al-Qanun fil Tibb) and by subsequent Unani physicians. Avicenna described celery as opening obstructions, promoting urination and menstruation, and beneficial for joint conditions. The Unani classification of celery as hot and dry in the second degree aligns with its use for cold, damp conditions of the joints and digestive system."
[4]
Traditional Chinese folk medicine
- Known as Qin Cai Zi (芹菜子) — celery seed, or Qin Cai (芹菜) for the whole plant
- Used as a folk remedy for hypertension — traditionally celery juice or stalk consumed for elevated blood pressure
- This folk use directly inspired the modern pharmacological discovery of 3-n-butylphthalide as a hypotensive agent
- Also used for headache, dizziness, and liver yang rising patterns
"While celery seed is not a major drug in the classical Chinese materia medica (it does not appear in the Shennong Bencao Jing or most classical formularies), celery has a long history in Chinese folk medicine for hypertension. The folk observation that celery consumption lowered blood pressure led University of Chicago researchers to isolate 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) in the 1990s, confirming the traditional use with a specific pharmacological mechanism. This is one of the better-documented examples of folk medicine leading to drug discovery."
[3]
Modern Research
3-n-Butylphthalide (3nB) — hypotensive mechanism and clinical evidence
The phthalide 3nB from celery has been extensively studied for blood pressure-lowering effects, with both preclinical mechanism elucidation and early clinical trial data.
Findings: A pilot clinical study (Moghadam et al., 2013) evaluated celery seed extract (standardized to 85% 3nB, 150 mg/day) in 30 patients with mild to moderate hypertension over 6 weeks. Results showed significant reductions in both systolic blood pressure (mean reduction ~8.2 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mean reduction ~8.6 mmHg) compared to baseline. No significant adverse effects were reported. The mechanism involves calcium channel antagonism in vascular smooth muscle, enhanced prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis, reduced catecholamine secretion from adrenal glands, and mild diuretic action.
Limitations: Small sample size (n=30), no placebo control group, single-center, 6-week duration. Larger RCTs needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing.
[3]
dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) — approved stroke drug in China
The racemic synthetic form of 3nB from celery seed has been developed as a pharmaceutical drug for ischemic stroke in China, providing strong validation for the neuroprotective potential of celery phthalides.
Findings: dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP, brand name Enbipu/恩必普) was approved by China's CFDA in 2002 for acute ischemic stroke treatment. Multiple clinical trials in China have demonstrated that NBP improves neurological function scores, reduces infarct volume, and improves 90-day outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. The neuroprotective mechanisms include: improved mitochondrial function in ischemic neurons, increased collateral cerebral blood flow, anti-platelet aggregation, reduced neuroinflammation, and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis. NBP has become one of China's most commercially successful neurological drugs.
Limitations: Most clinical trials conducted in China with limited replication in Western settings. The pharmaceutical is synthetic dl-3nB, not crude celery seed extract — bioequivalence with whole-herb preparations is not established. Relevance to dietary/supplement celery seed use is indirect but provides strong pharmacological proof-of-concept.
[4]
Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects — in vivo evidence
Multiple animal studies have evaluated celery seed extracts for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity, supporting the traditional use for gout and rheumatic conditions.
Findings: Celery seed extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) significantly reduce carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats (comparable to indomethacin in some studies), reduce adjuvant-induced arthritis scores, lower serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic animal models, and inhibit xanthine oxidase activity (the enzyme that produces uric acid). The anti-inflammatory mechanisms involve COX-2 inhibition, reduction of PGE2 synthesis, NF-κB pathway suppression, and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β in inflamed joint tissue. The combined diuretic (enhancing uric acid excretion) and anti-inflammatory effects provide a dual mechanism for gout relief.
Limitations: Animal data — no large human RCTs for arthritis or gout. Doses in animal studies are often higher than typical human supplemental doses on a mg/kg basis. Translation to human clinical efficacy requires validation.
[4]
Apigenin — anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects
Apigenin, a major flavonoid in celery, has been extensively studied for its effects on the nervous system, particularly its anxiolytic activity.
Findings: Apigenin acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor benzodiazepine binding site, producing anxiolytic effects in animal models (elevated plus maze, light-dark test) without sedation at low doses. Unlike benzodiazepines, apigenin does not impair motor coordination or produce amnesia at anxiolytic doses. It also demonstrates neuroprotective effects: reduces glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, protects hippocampal neurons against oxidative damage, and reduces neuroinflammation through inhibition of microglial activation. These properties support the traditional use of celery as a calming agent.
Limitations: Most apigenin studies use isolated compound, not celery seed extract. Oral bioavailability of apigenin is limited due to poor aqueous solubility. The apigenin content in typical celery seed doses may be below the threshold for significant anxiolytic effect as a standalone agent.
[4]
Hypolipidemic effects — animal studies
Celery seed extracts have been evaluated for cholesterol and lipid-lowering effects in animal models of hyperlipidemia.
Findings: In high-fat diet-fed rats, celery seed ethanol extract significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining or increasing HDL-cholesterol. The proposed mechanisms include: enhanced fecal bile acid excretion, possible HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, increased LDL receptor expression in hepatocytes, and antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation. The phthalide and flavonoid fractions both contribute to lipid-lowering effects.
Limitations: Animal data only. No human clinical trials for lipid-lowering endpoints with celery seed specifically. Doses used in animal studies are proportionally high. Relevance to typical human supplement doses uncertain.
[4]
Gastroprotective effects — ulcer models
Celery seed and its essential oil have been evaluated for protective effects against gastric mucosal damage.
Findings: Celery seed ethanolic extract and essential oil demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity in ethanol-induced and NSAID-induced gastric ulcer models in rats. The mechanisms include: replenishment of gastric mucus, increased mucosal blood flow, antioxidant protection of gastric mucosa (reduced lipid peroxidation, increased SOD and catalase), and anti-inflammatory reduction of mucosal TNF-α and IL-6. The limonene content is a known gastroprotective agent. These findings support the traditional carminative/digestive use and suggest the herb may provide gastric protection when used alongside conventional NSAIDs.
Limitations: Animal ulcer models only. No human clinical trials for gastroprotection. The relevance to human gastric protection at dietary/supplemental doses is extrapolated.
[4]
Chemopreventive potential — apigenin and luteolin
The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin from celery have been studied for cancer-preventive properties in cell and animal models.
Findings: Apigenin and luteolin demonstrate antiproliferative effects in multiple cancer cell lines (breast, prostate, colon, lung, pancreatic) through: cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase), induction of apoptosis (caspase activation, Bax/Bcl-2 modulation), inhibition of angiogenesis (VEGF suppression), and suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (reduced invasion/metastasis). Apigenin also modulates PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Epidemiological studies suggest that dietary flavonoid intake (including apigenin from celery and parsley) is inversely associated with certain cancer risks.
Limitations: Predominantly cell culture data with concentrations exceeding what is achievable through dietary intake. Animal tumor model data are mixed. No clinical trials for cancer prevention with celery seed. Epidemiological associations are confounded by overall diet quality.
[4]
Preparations & Dosage
Infusion (Tea)
Strength: 2–4 g per 250 mL
Lightly crush 1–2 teaspoons (2–4 g) of dried celery seed using a mortar and pestle to rupture the oil ducts. Add to 250 mL of freshly boiled water. Cover tightly (to retain volatile oil) and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink.
1–2 teaspoons (2–4 g) crushed seed per cup, 2–3 cups daily.
2–3 times daily.
May be used for several weeks. For gout/arthritis, sustained use for 4–12 weeks is typical before full effect.
Not well studied in children; consult a practitioner for children under 12.
Covering the infusion is important to prevent loss of volatile oil constituents. The infusion has a distinctive, aromatic celery flavor. Traditionally taken between meals for maximum digestive benefit.
[2]
Tincture
Strength: 1:5, 45–60% ethanol
Crush dried celery seed and macerate in 45–60% ethanol at a ratio of 1:5. Steep 2–4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and press. Store in amber glass.
2–4 mL, 3 times daily.
3 times daily.
May be used for several weeks to months under practitioner guidance.
Not recommended for children under 12.
Tincture effectively extracts both the volatile oil and flavonoid fractions. The alcohol percentage should be high enough to dissolve the volatile oil components. A higher menstruum ratio (60%) may better extract the phthalides.
[2]
Capsule / Powder
Strength: Variable. Standardized extracts typically provide 42.5–85% 3nB.
Celery seed extract in capsule form, ideally standardized to 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) content. Available as crude seed powder or concentrated extract.
Crude seed powder: 500–1000 mg, 2–3 times daily. Standardized extract (e.g., 85% 3nB): 75–150 mg daily, per clinical study protocol. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for specific extract concentrations.
1–3 times daily with food.
Clinical study used 6-week course. May use for extended periods under practitioner supervision.
Not recommended for children.
Standardized celery seed extract providing a defined amount of 3nB offers the most reproducible cardiovascular effects. The 150 mg/day dose of 85% 3nB extract used in the Moghadam et al. pilot study can serve as a clinical reference point. Crude seed powder capsules provide the full spectrum of constituents but at lower 3nB concentration.
[3]
Decoction
Strength: Root: 15–30 g per 500 mL; Seed: 4–8 g per 500 mL
For the root: Add 15–30 g of dried celery root to 500 mL cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 15–20 minutes. Strain. For seed: decoction is less preferred than infusion (prolonged boiling drives off volatile oils), but a brief simmer (5 minutes) followed by covered steeping (10 minutes) is acceptable.
Root: 15–30 g per day in decoction. Seed: 4–8 g per day.
Divided into 2–3 doses daily.
May be used for several weeks.
Consult a practitioner.
Decoction is more appropriate for the root than the seed. For seed preparations, infusion is preferred to preserve volatile constituents.
[2]
Essential Oil
Strength: Pure essential oil; dilute for all applications
Steam-distilled essential oil from ripe celery seed. For internal use (under practitioner guidance only): 1–3 drops on a sugar cube or in a capsule with carrier oil. For topical use: dilute to 1–2% in a carrier oil for massage over affected joints.
Internal: 1–3 drops (approximately 0.05–0.15 mL), 1–2 times daily. Topical: 1–2% dilution in carrier oil.
1–2 times daily.
Short-term internal use (1–2 weeks). Topical may be used longer.
Not recommended.
Essential oil is highly concentrated — approximately 50–100x the volatile oil concentration of the crude seed. Use with caution. Photosensitization risk is increased with essential oil use due to concentrated furanocoumarins. Avoid sun exposure on treated skin. Internal use should be short-term and under professional guidance.
[4]
Safety & Interactions
Class 2a
Not to be used during pregnancy (AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook)
Contraindications
Celery seed has traditional emmenagogue activity and the volatile oil may stimulate uterine contractions. The apiole-related compounds and phthalides have demonstrated uterotonic effects in animal models. Not to be used in medicinal doses during pregnancy. Culinary amounts of celery stalk are considered safe, but concentrated seed preparations should be avoided.
Celery is one of the 14 major food allergens recognized in EU regulations. Celery allergy is IgE-mediated and can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis. The major allergens (Api g 1, Api g 4, Api g 5) are present in the seed as well as the stalk. Cross-reactivity exists with birch pollen (oral allergy syndrome), mugwort, and other Apiaceae (carrot, parsley, fennel). Celery-allergic individuals must avoid all celery seed products.
The diuretic action may be inappropriate in patients with severely compromised kidney function. The volatile oil components are renally excreted and may irritate inflamed kidney tissue. Use with caution or avoid in acute nephritis.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Class | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and coumarin anticoagulants (Anticoagulants) | moderate | 3-n-Butylphthalide has demonstrated antiplatelet aggregation activity. The furanocoumarins in celery (structurally related to coumarin) may have mild anticoagulant effects. Additive risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin. Additionally, furanocoumarins can inhibit CYP enzymes involved in warfarin metabolism. |
| Antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor) (Antiplatelet drugs) | moderate | 3nB inhibits platelet aggregation. Combined with antiplatelet drugs, the risk of bleeding may increase. The mechanism is additive rather than synergistic. |
| Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers) (Antihypertensives) | moderate | Additive blood pressure-lowering effects. 3nB has intrinsic hypotensive activity through calcium channel antagonism and prostacyclin enhancement. Combined with pharmaceutical antihypertensives, excessive blood pressure reduction is possible. |
| Lithium (Mood stabilizers) | moderate | Celery seed's diuretic action may reduce renal lithium clearance, increasing serum lithium levels. Similar mechanism to all herbal diuretics interacting with lithium. |
| Thiazide and loop diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, bumetanide) (Diuretics) | moderate | Additive diuretic effect may cause excessive fluid and electrolyte loss. Combined with potassium-depleting diuretics, the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance increases. |
| Levothyroxine and thyroid medications (Thyroid hormones) | minor | Some in vitro data suggest celery seed may affect thyroid hormone metabolism, though clinical significance is uncertain. The diuretic effect could also theoretically alter levothyroxine absorption if causing GI transit changes. |
| Photosensitizing medications (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, amiodarone, hydrochlorothiazide) (Photosensitizing drugs) | moderate | Additive photosensitization risk. Furanocoumarins in celery seed combined with photosensitizing drugs increase the risk and severity of phototoxic skin reactions upon UV exposure. |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
unsafe
Lactation
insufficient data
CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy at medicinal doses (AHPA Class 2a). Celery seed has traditional emmenagogue activity and the volatile oil may stimulate uterine contractions. Culinary amounts of celery stalk are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy. Lactation: insufficient data to establish safety — the volatile oil and furanocoumarins may pass into breast milk. Avoid medicinal doses during lactation as a precaution.
Adverse Effects
References
Monograph Sources
- [1] Gardner Z, McGuffin M (eds.). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition: Apium graveolens. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2013)
- [2] Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT (2003)
Clinical Studies
- [3] Moghadam MH, Imenshahidi M, Mohajeri SA. Antihypertensive effect of celery seed on rat blood pressure in chronic administration. Journal of Medicinal Food (2013) ; 16 : 558-563 . DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2664
- [4] Kooti W, Daraei N. A review of the antioxidant activity of celery (Apium graveolens L.). Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (2017) ; 22 : 1029-1034 . DOI: 10.1177/2156587217717415
Last updated: 2026-03-23 | Status: published
Unlock the Full Materia Medica
This monograph is part of our complete evidence-based herbal reference. Enter your email to get free, unlimited access to all of our monographs.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
You're In!
You now have full access to all of our herbal monographs.