22 Evecare • Vol 11 • No. 2 • Sep–Dec 2023 With inputs from Dr Shruthi M Hegde, Discovery Sciences Group, R&D Center, Himalaya Wellness Company Apium graveolens Traditional Uses A graveolens, popularly known as Celery, is an edible plant cultivated for its use as a vegetable or salad crop. The leaves and stalk of A graveolens are used as a vegetable, and its highly aromatic seeds are used as a spice and possess medicinal properties. A graveolens is known to possess appetizing, digestive, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, diuretic, and aphrodisiac actions. The herb is beneficial in treating common digestive ailments such as abdominal bloating, anorexia, colic, and helminthiasis; painful bladder/ cystitis; and menstrual disorders and infertility. It is also consumed during pregnancy, as it is said to aid in the general well-being of the fetus. A graveolens is traditionally used in various parts of the world. The following are some of the traditional therapeutic and culinary uses of A graveolens: Therapeutic uses The Tengger tribals of Ngadisari village (Indonesia and Sasak tribals in the Lombok island (Indonesia) consume the raw leaves or a decoction of the raw leaves of A graveolens to manage hypertension. A graveolens is locally known as Seledri in these regions. The locals of Izmir province (Turkey) consume the decoction of A graveolens seeds 2 to 3 times a day for 8 to 10 days to manage nephritis and other urinary diseases. A graveolens is locally known as Kereviz in this region. Other Sanskrit Names and Their Meanings The various Sanskrit names signify the characteristic features and properties of A graveolens. A few of the names and meanings are as follows: Ajamoda/ Bastamoda “Aja”or “Basta”means goat, and“moda”means fragrance. The names indicate that A graveolens has a strong aroma. The intensity of the aroma is compared with that of the strong smell emitted by goats. Gandhapatrika/ Gandhadala “Gandha”means fragrance, and“patrika”or “dala”means leaves. The names depict the characteristic aroma of celery leaves. Lochamastaka “Locha”means appearance, and“mastaka”means head or topmost. The name indicates that the fruits of A graveolens arise on the top of its inflorescence. Deepyaka “Deepya”means kindling or stimulating. The name refers to the appetite-stimulating property of A graveolens. Kriminashini “Krimi”means worms, and “nashini”means destroyer. The name indicates the benefit of A graveolens in treating helminthiasis. Hastimayuraka “Hasti”means elephant, and “mayuraka”means treating diseases. The name indicates that A graveolens is useful in treating diseases in elephants. Sanskrit name: Ajamoda Latin name: Apium graveolens English name: Celery Ayurveda and Womenʼs Health
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