CELERY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Mosquito repellent. Some research shows that applying a gel containing 5% to 25% celery extract to the skin can repel mosquitos for up to 4.5 hours. Other research shows that applying a specific product containing celery extract 5%, vanillin, eucalyptus oil, orange oil, and citronella oil, repels mosquitoes similarly to other commercial products, such as DEET 25% and Insect Block 28.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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. 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.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, and others) interacts with CELERY

    Levothyroxine is used for low thyroid function. Taking celery seed along with levothyroxine might reduce the effects of levothyroxine.

  • Lithium interacts with CELERY

    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 that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CELERY

    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.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with CELERY

    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.

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor) interacts with CELERY

    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.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CELERY

    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.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with CELERY

    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.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) interacts with CELERY

    Taking celery juice with acetaminophen prolongs the effects of acetaminophen. Taking celery juice with acetaminophen might increase the effects and side effects of acetaminophen.

  • Aminopyrine interacts with CELERY

    Celery juice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down and removes aminopyrine. Taking celery juice with aminopyrine might increase the effects and side effects of aminopyrine.

Dosing

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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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

CELERY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What is one major side effect of eating celery? ›

Celery contains phthalides which is a natural sedative and may cause drowsiness. Celery contains coumarin, which may induce calcium antagonistic properties, an effect preventing calcium from entering the heart's cells. There are some allergens present in the celery which may cause a severe allergic reaction.

Does celery interact with any medications? ›

Using celery in medicinal amounts with medications that slow clotting may increase the risk of bleeding. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

What are the pros and cons of eating celery? ›

You can make it part of a healthy diet. It's also easy to find in the grocery store, inexpensive, and contains several vital nutrients. Cons. Celery root is high in fiber, which can sometimes be tough on your stomach and cause gas.

What are the side effects of celery juice? ›

Celery juice contains chemicals called psoralens, which make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Drinking large quantities of celery juice could raise your chances of skin cancer and other skin problems.

Who should avoid celery seeds? ›

For these reasons, you should take herbs under the supervision of a health care provider. Pregnant women should not use celery seed because it may lead to uterine bleeding and muscle contractions in the uterus, which could cause miscarriage. People with active kidney inflammation should not take celery seed.

What happens if I eat celery every day? ›

For example, celery's high water and fiber content could mean eating excessive amounts can cause gas, bloating, and digestive upset. Aim for eating three to five servings of vegetables like celery a day. 5 Eating even more servings of vegetables, both cooked and raw, is better.

Why do I feel weird after eating celery? ›

The Link Between Celery and Oral Allergy Syndrome

Individuals with OAS often have pollen allergies and may experience an allergic reaction to celery due to cross-reactivity between pollen and celery proteins. Symptoms of OAS usually include itching or swelling of the mouth, face, lip, tongue, and throat.

What effect does celery have on the brain? ›

Celery also contains a compound called luteolin that can prevent inflammation in the brain cells. Research suggests that celery extract acts like anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. It may also have a pain-reducing effect.

Who can not eat celery? ›

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.

When should you not use celery? ›

According to Eat By Date, celery has gone bad when its stalks become soft and bendable, the color becomes pale and faded, and the center of the stalk hollows out. Does It Go Bad says to toss your celery if it shows signs of mold, is mushy, or slimy. These are all signs that celery has gone bad.

Can you eat celery if you have high blood pressure? ›

He says four stalks per day may be all it takes to naturally lower blood pressure. Research has shown that celery seed can lower blood pressure. One study discovered that cooked celery may be more effective than raw celery in lowering blood pressure.

How many stalks of celery should I eat a day? ›

Celery stalk salt content is low, and you also get fiber, magnesium and potassium to help regulate your blood pressure, as well. “To get the benefit, you should eat roughly four stalks – one cup, chopped – of celery daily,” Dr.

Are peanut butter and celery good for you? ›

Celery with peanut butter is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Its low carb content and high fat content makes it an appropriate snack for people following a keto diet.

Is celery healthier raw or cooked? ›

People can eat celery raw or cooked. Raw vegetables usually contain more nutrients than cooked ones. Steaming celery for 10 minutes may not affect the antioxidant contents significantly, but boiling celery may do so, according to one study.

Who shouldn't drink celery juice? ›

Most people can drink as much juice as they wish. “However, if you have a history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease, you should discuss drinking celery juice with your doctor or pharmacist first,” says Dr. Singh.

Why should you eat celery at night? ›

As per research, celery contains a unique compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that reportedly has lipid-lowering powers (cholesterol is a lipid). BuPh also has a calming effect on our central nervous system that may help promote better sleep.

Is celery good for joint pain? ›

Celery has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain around the joints. So it is good for people with arthritis, rheumatism and gout. It's sticks act as diuretic and help to remove uric-acid crystals from your body and bring you relief from joint pain.

What happens if you eat too much celery? ›

Dieters should be careful not to overdo it on celery because it is so low-calorie and could lead to malnutrition. While fiber is great for you, too much can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Is celery seed bad for kidneys? ›

People with kidney conditions or inflammation may need to avoid celery seed. 5. People taking blood pressure–lowering medication may need to use caution.

When should you not eat celery? ›

Wilting & Dryness - One of the first signs celery is going bad will be wilting and dryness in the leaves. If the leaves are crispy but the stalks are still firm and crunchy, you can use the celery. But if the stalks seem dry, the celery will not taste good and should be discarded.

Is celery good for your liver? ›

Studies show that celery helps reduce fat build up in the liver. The nutrients in celery protect the liver, and actually help the liver produce enzymes that help flush fat and toxins out.

Is celery safe to eat raw? ›

Celery can be eaten raw in salads or chopped up and cooked with vegetables such as onions, carrots and leeks as a base for soups, sauces and casseroles. The larger outer stalks are best for cooking, while the inner stalks are more tender, so ideal for eating raw.

Is celery good for kidneys and liver? ›

Although celery is mainly made up of water, science has discovered several beneficial compounds in its seeds, flesh, and roots, including antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta carotene, polysaccharides, apigenin, and flavonoids. These plant compounds have been shown to provide benefits for kidney health.

Why is celery a diuretic? ›

This may be due to its potassium content, and the presence of phthalides, compounds that relax muscles around arteries. Coumarin, another antioxidant in celery, appears to enhance the activity of white blood cells. Celery has a diuretic effect, so it can play a role in eliminating excess body fluid.

Is celery seed good for kidneys? ›

Celery Seed Benefits

These powerful diuretics cleanse the system of excess fluids and stimulate the kidneys, causing the body to flush out uric acid and excess crystals that can cause many problems including gout, arthritis and kidney stones.

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