SO DYK
GUT HEALTH

Celery Seed

Apium graveolens

also known as celery fruit

Moderate (traditional)

Small brown seeds from the same plant whose stalks are eaten as a vegetable, used since ancient Egyptian and Greek medicine for arthritis, urinary complaints, and as a digestive bitter. Celery seed is mildly diuretic and has a particular traditional reputation for gout and joint stiffness — partly because it gently encourages the body to clear uric acid.

  • Traditional use for gout and joint stiffness
  • Mild diuretic action — supports the body's clearance of fluid and certain metabolic waste
  • Long traditional use as a digestive bitter for sluggish digestion and bloating
  • Anti-inflammatory action documented in laboratory studies
  • Mildly lowers blood pressure in some studies — though effects are modest
  • Small culinary use (in soups, stocks, and pickling) is completely safe
Skip with celery allergy — celery is one of the major food allergens, particularly in Europe
Skip during pregnancy at medicinal doses — can stimulate the uterus
Skip during nursing
Skip with kidney inflammation or active kidney infection — diuretic action can stress inflamed kidneys
Use caution with blood thinners
Use caution with diuretic medications — additive water-loss effect
Use caution with thyroid medication and lithium
Can cause photosensitivity in sensitive people