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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Parsley  is  a  hardy biennial with  bright  green  finely cut and usually
     crinkled  leaves.  It  grows  to  about  12  inches  high,  and  has  tiny
     yellow-green flowers.

     Parsley  needs  full  or light shade. The  soil  should be rich, moist and
     deeply dug.

     Sow  the  seeds in spring to late  summer. Germination time is about 70-90
     days  depending  on  the  varieties.  For  fast  germination,  soak  seeds
     overnight in warm water, pour boiling water in hole before sowing, or grow
     in seed tray. Grows in zone 1-10.

     Thin  and transplant to 9 inches apart. Make sure you protect the plant in
     cold weather. Parsley grows well indoors. Parsley will self seed.

     Pick  leaves during the first year, or  collect seeds when rip. Dig up the
     roots  in autumn for second year use. Dry or freeze the leaves, and dry or
     blanch  and freeze the roots.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Parsley  is the best known of all  garnishing herbs. When cooked it serves
     to  enhance the flavor of other foods  and herbs. To increase its potency,
     use  generous  amount  and  include  the  stem,  which  are  more strongly
     flavored.

     Parsley  can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, mayonnaise, and
     egg dishes. Fry whole sprigs briefly to serve with fish.

     Parsley  roots, leaves, and seeds contain the volatile oil, but it is most
     concentrated in the seeds.

     Parsley  can  also  be  deep  fried.  Wash,  and  remove  stalks, then dry
     thoroughly.  Cook  quickly  in medium hot fat,  only  a little at one time
     otherwise it might go soggy.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     The  therapeutic action of parsley is largely  due to the Apiol content of
     the  essential oil, which stimulates the appetite and increases blood flow
     to the digestive tract, uterus and mucosae.

     Parsley  may  also  be helpful with  rheumatism,  prostate trouble, and to
     purify the blood.

     Parsley   is  a  diuretic  to  promote  urination.  It  contains  laxative
     properties.  Tea made from the roots and  leaves of fresh parsley may make
     urination less painful if the prostate gland is enlarged.

     Recent  studies  showed,  parsley inhibits  the  secretion  of histamine a
     chemical the body produces the triggers allergy symptoms. Parsley apparent
     antihistamine action might help those with hay fever or hives.

     Fresh   parsley  may  help  with  menstrual  problems,  it  may  alleviate
     discomfort.

     It is also a good expectorant and can be used for coughs and asthma.
     



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                                      WARNING:
     The oil should only be used under medical supervision. Very large doses of
     either oil or leaves may cause abortion. They may also cause polyneuritis.

     Do  not pick wild parsley, it closely resembles 3 potential lethal plants.
     These are hemlock, poison parsley, and fool's parsley.


                                     OTHER USES:
     Dried stems are of used as a green dye.


                                  COSMETIC   USES:
     Fresh  parsley  makes  a great breath  sweetener.  Parsley  can be used in
     creams  and lotions as a conditioner for dry, sensitive and troubled skin.
     For  oily skin wash a large bunch of  parsley, chop roughly and puree in a
     blender  or  juice  extractor.  Add  1  egg  white  and  3  tablespoons of
     unflavored  yogurt.  Put this on your  skin  for about 15-20 minutes. Then
     remove and rinse with cold water, pat dry and moisturize. It may also fade
     freckles. The juice of parsley can be used to tread acne.