Parsley Essential Oil (Petroselinum crispum)

Overview

Parsley may also be referred to as Parsley Seed Essential Oil, Petroselinum sativum. It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the seed.

Summary

Parsley oil comes from the Petroselinum sativum plant. It has a herby, woody scent.

It is best known for its use as a diuretic and its ability to shrink blood vessels.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Green Herbaceous Woody

  • Common Name(s): Parsley Seed Essential Oil, Petroselinum sativum
  • Botanical Family: Apiaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Petroselinum
  • Major Compounds: Parsley Apiole, Myristicin, Allytetramethoxybenzene, a-Pinene, B-Pinene, Elemicin, (+)-Limonene
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong
  • Color: Light Yellow
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
  • Part Typically Used: Seed
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Parsley:

Tisserand and Young indicate that drug interaction and a risk of hepatotoxity and nephrotoxicity may be present when using Parsley Seed Oil. it is also a potential abortifacient and is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a low risk of skin irritation, and they recommend a dermal maximum of 1.1%.Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 380-381.]

This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted.

Safety Precautions for Parsley:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Contraindications of Parsley:

Parsley oil may be toxic to the liver.

Articles

Parsley Articles or Publications: