Celery (Apium graveolens) is a plant that grows throughout the world. The stem is often eaten raw or as a cooked vegetable. The seed is used as a spice.
The chemicals in different parts of the celery plant might have many effects on the body, including lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and causing sleepiness.
People use celery to repel mosquitos, for prediabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using celery for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Celery stems, oil, and seeds are commonly consumed in foods. Celery is possibly safe when the seed is used as medicine, short-term. But some people are allergic to celery. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis. Celery can also cause sensitivity to the sun.
When applied to the skin: Celery is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. Some people are allergic to celery. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis. Celery can also cause sensitivity to the sun.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Celery oil and celery seeds are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy in the amounts found in medicine. Large amounts of celery might make the uterus contract and cause a miscarriage. Stick to food amounts.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use celery when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Allergies: Celery can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to some other plants and spices, including wild carrot, mugwort, birch, caraway, fennel or coriander seeds, parsley, anise, plantain, and dandelion. This has been called the "celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome," or the "celery-mugwort-birch-spice" syndrome.
Bleeding disorders: Celery root might increase the risk of bleeding when used in medicinal amounts. Don't use celery root if you have a bleeding disorder.
Thyroid conditions: Celery might interfere with thyroid function. Don't use celery if you have high or low thyroid levels or are taking medication for a thyroid disorder.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Taking celery juice with acetaminophen prolongs the effects of acetaminophen. Taking celery juice with acetaminophen might increase the effects and side effects of acetaminophen.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, and others)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Levothyroxine is used for low thyroid function. Taking celery seed along with levothyroxine might reduce the effects of levothyroxine.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking celery might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using celery if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Celery might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Celery seed extract might lower blood pressure. Taking celery seed extract along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Celery might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Celery root might slow blood clotting. Taking celery root along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Celery root extract might decrease how quickly the body breaks down venlafaxine. Taking celery root extract with venlafaxine might increase the effects and side effects of venlafaxine.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Celery seed extract might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Celery root might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Celery stem, oil, and seeds are commonly consumed in foods.
As medicine, celery seed powder or extract have most often been used by adults in doses of 1000-1500 mg by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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