Celery seed (Apium graveolens), native to the Mediterranean region, is used in food and sold as a dietary supplement. Its pungent flavor is described as earthy, grassy, and bitter, and is often used for pickling vegetables or brining. Practitioners of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems have used it to treat colds, flu, and kidney and liver conditions.
Researchers have also studied its use in treating high blood pressure and female sexual dysfunction. However, more research is needed before it can be recommended for these effects.
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Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Celery Seed
Researchers have studied celery seed for treating the following conditions:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Sexual dysfunction in females
Preliminary studies, which were in vitro (such as in test tubes or petri dishes in a lab) or in vivo (in animals), have also focused on celery seed for its effects on the following:
- Antioxidant capacity (concentration and form of chemical compounds that act as antioxidants)
- Arthritis (joint inflammation)
- Cancer
- Fertility (the ability to conceive children)
- Gout (an excess of uric acid)
- Metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions occurring together that can lead to heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes)
- Ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine)
The data are not robust enough to suggest celery seed use for these conditions. Further studies in humans would need to be conducted to confirm these effects.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
High Blood Pressure
Around 1.28 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure, and almost half are untreated. Researchers have investigated the impact of celery seed on high blood pressure.
In one study, 54 people were given four celery seed extract capsules totaling 1.34 grams (g) per day or four placebo capsules, with no benefit over four weeks. Celery seed extract modestly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Further study is needed to confirm these results.
It is essential not to delay the treatment of high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of brain, kidney, and heart disease.
It's also a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood pressure–lowering medications, herbs, or supplements.
Sexual Dysfunction
Globally, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects 41% of females who are of reproductive age. A study conducted in 80 females experiencing sexual dysfunction used 500 milligrams (mg) of celery seed three times a day for six weeks.
Between three and six weeks, markers of female sexual function increased in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.
Further study is needed to confirm these results.
Possible Side Effects
Celery seed may cause side effects. Avoid use if you are allergic to it, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family. Celery seed in medicinal quantities may be unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children.
In addition, celery seed may interact with several medications, herbs, and supplements.
Common Side Effects
Reported side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased urination
- General allergy symptoms (e.g., skin irritation)
Other "positive" side effects noted in a clinical trial included the following:
- Chest pain reduction
- Improved breathing
- Improvement in dizziness
- Improved sleep quality
- Relaxation
Severe Side Effects
Anaphylaxis is possible with the use of celery. Avoid use if you're allergic to celery seed, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) was also reported when very high amounts were used for a prolonged period.
Precautions
The following precautions should be followed when considering celery seed use:
- Allergy: Avoid use if allergic to it, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family. People with a birch pollen allergy may also be allergic to celery.
- Kidney conditions: People with kidney conditions or inflammation may need to avoid celery seed.
- Blood pressure–lowering medication: People taking blood pressure–lowering medication may need to use caution.
- Blood sugar–lowering medication: People taking blood sugar–lowering medication may need to use caution.
- Pregnancy: Avoid celery seed in medicinal doses during pregnancy.
- Children: Not enough is known about using celery seed in therapeutic amounts in children.
Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Dosage: How Much Celery Seed Should I Take?
The dosage of celery seed may vary, considering different factors like medication, herb and supplement use, and the condition. The following amounts were used in clinical trials for the following conditions:
- High blood pressure: 1.34 g daily for four weeks was used.
- Sexual dysfunction in females: 500 mg of celery seed was given three times a day for six weeks.
The listed dosages are not intended to replace medical diagnoses or treatment plans. Avoid delaying the treatment of severe medical conditions. Do discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Celery Seed?
It is possible to take too much celery seed. In one case, a person taking 8 g per day of powdered celery extract for 78 days experienced serious thyroid effects, inducing hyperthyroidism.
Interactions
Celery seed may interact with the following medications:
- Blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin)
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Lithium (mood stabilizer)
- Thyroid medicine
Diabetes medications: In animal studies, celery seed extract caused a significant decrease in serum glucose levels and insulin release. It may impact diabetes medication use in humans. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood sugar-lowering medications, such as metformin and insulin, as well as herbs or supplements.
Blood pressure medications: Celery seed extract caused a significant decrease in blood pressure. It may have calcium channel-blocking effects. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood pressure-lowering medications, calcium channel blockers, herbs, or supplements.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Celery Seed
Store celery seed in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
Discard as indicated on the packaging.
Similar Supplements
Other herbs and supplements used to reduce blood pressure include, but aren’t limited to:
Sources of Celery Seed & What to Look For
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or ConsumerLab.com. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Food Sources of Celery Seed
Fresh celery seed may be consumed with a distinct flavor and pungent taste.
Celery plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots, and essential oils may also be consumed.
Celery Seed Supplements
Celery seed is available in various forms, such as:
- Fresh or dried seeds
- Powder
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Celery seed extract
- Essential oil
Avoid ingesting essential oils by mouth.
Summary
People have used celery seed (Apium graveolens) for thousands of years to spice up meals and treat various conditions. It's been studied scientifically for its effects on high blood pressure and female sexual dysfunction. It may have calcium channel–blocking effects and interact with blood pressure and diabetes medications.
Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. You may also want to consider working with a registered dietitian to address cardiovascular conditions, and with a food and movement first approach.