What Is Celery Seed?

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is a reasonably common spice in the Apiaceae (carrot) family. It's native to the Mediterranean region. Celery seed is used in food and sold in dietary supplement form. Practitioners of the ancient medical system of India (a traditional Hindu system) called Ayurveda have used it to treat colds, flu, and liver conditions.

Practitioners of the Perso-Arabic traditional medical system Unani historically utilized celery seed for kidney and liver conditions. However, some sources suggest celery seed may need to be avoided in people with kidney conditions.

Scientific evidence supporting celery seed use as a treatment for any health condition is sparse. It's been studied for high blood pressure and female sexual dysfunction. Celery seed contains phytochemicals (plant substances) studied for their influence on health.

Read on for more information about celery seed uses, safety and interactions.

Uses of Celery Seed

Researchers have studied celery seed for treating the following conditions:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Sexual dysfunction in people assigned female at birth
  

Preliminary studies, which were in vitro (such as in test tubes or petri dishes in a lab) or in vivo (in animals), have also focused on celery seed for its effects on the following:

• Antioxidant capacity (concentration and form of chemical compounds that act as antioxidants)
• Arthritis (joint inflammation)
• Cancer (condition in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, destroying healthy body tissue)
• Fertility (the ability to conceive children)
• Gout (a type of diabetes)
• Metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions occurring together that can lead to heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes)
  
• Ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine)

The data are not robust enough to suggest celery seed use for any of these conditions. Further studies in humans would need to be conducted to confirm these effects.

High Blood Pressure

Around 1.28 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure; almost half are untreated. Researchers have investigated the impact of celery seed on high blood pressure.

In one study, 54 people were given four celery seed extract capsules totaling 1.34 grams (g) per day or four placebo capsules having no benefit over four weeks. Extracts of celery seed modestly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Further study is needed to confirm these results.

It is essential not to delay the treatment of high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure increases brain, kidney, and heart disease risk. It's also a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood pressure–lowering medications, herbs, or supplements.

Sexual Dysfunction

Globally, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects 41% of people assigned female at birth who are of reproductive age. A study conducted in 80 people assigned female at birth experiencing sexual dysfunction used 500 milligrams (mg) of celery seed three times a day for six weeks.

Between three and six weeks, markers of female sexual function increased in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.

Further study is needed to confirm these results.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are possible with celery seed. Avoid use if allergic to it, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family. Celery seed in medicinal quantities may be unsafe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children.

In addition, celery seed may interact with several medications, herbs, and supplements.

Common Side Effects

Reported side effects include but are not limited to:

• Decreased appetite
• Increased urination
• General allergy symptoms (e.g., skin irritation)

Other "positive" side effects noted in a clinical trial included the following:

• Chest pain reduction
• Improved breathing
• Improvement in dizziness
• Improved sleep quality
• Relaxation
  

Severe Side Effects

Anaphylaxis is possible with celery use. Avoid use if you're allergic to celery seed, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) was also reported when very high amounts were used for a prolonged period.

Precautions

The following precautions should be followed when considering celery seed use:

• Avoid use if allergic to it, its components (parts), or related plants in the Apiaceae family.
• People with a birch pollen allergy may also be allergic to celery. 
• People with kidney conditions or inflammation may need to avoid celery seed.
• People taking blood pressure–lowering medication may need to use caution.
• People taking blood sugar–lowering medication may need to use caution.
• Pregnant women may need to avoid celery seed in medicinal doses. 
• Not enough is known about using celery seed in therapeutic amounts in children.

Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Dosage: How Much Celery Seed Should I Take?

The dosage of celery seed may vary, considering different factors like medication, herb and supplement use, and the condition. The following amounts were used in clinical trials for the following conditions:

High blood pressure: 1.34 g daily for four weeks was used.

Sexual dysfunction in people assigned female at birth: 500 mg of celery seed was given three times a day for six weeks.

The listed dosages are not intended to replace medical diagnoses or treatment plans. Avoid delaying treatment of severe medical conditions. Do discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Celery Seed?

It is possible to take too much celery seed. In one case, a person taking 8 g per day of powdered celery extract for 78 days experienced serious thyroid effects, inducing hyperthyroidism.

Interactions

Celery seed may interact with the following medications:

• Blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin)
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Lithium (mood stabilizer)
• Thyroid medicine

Diabetes medications: In animal studies, celery seed extract caused a significant decrease in serum glucose levels and insulin release. It may impact diabetes medication use in humans. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood sugar-lowering medications, such as metformin and insulin, as well as herbs or supplements.

Blood pressure medications: Celery seed extract caused a significant decrease in blood pressure. It may have calcium channel-blocking effects. Discuss celery seed use with your healthcare provider if you use blood pressure-lowering medications, calcium channel blockers, herbs, or supplements.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Celery Seed

Store celery seed in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

Discard as indicated on the packaging.

Similar Supplements

Other herbs and supplements used to reduce blood pressure include but aren’t limited to: 

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Hibiscus
• Magnesium
• Sage
• Tea

Sources of Celery Seed & What to Look For

Dietary supplements aren't strictly regulated in the United States. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations set requirements for supplement manufacturers to ensure safe, clean spaces that are FDA compliant. Choosing products made in GMP facilities is suggested.

Also, opt for brands tested by an independent certifying body. These include:

• USP
• ConsumerLab
• NSF

These organizations will let you know if the products tested contain listed ingredients and amounts, as well as any potential contaminants.

 Food Sources of Celery Seed

Fresh celery seed may be consumed with a distinct flavor and strong taste. 

Celery plant parts such as leaves, stem, and roots, as well as essential oils may also be consumed.

Celery Seed Supplements

Celery seed is available in various forms, such as: 

• Fresh or dried seeds
• Powder
• Tablets
• Essential oil
• Capsules
• Celery seed extract
  

Summary

People have used celery seed (Apium graveolens) for thousands of years to both spice up meals and to treat various conditions. It's been studied scientifically for its effects in high blood pressure and female sexual dysfunction. It may have calcium channel–blocking effects and interact with blood pressure and diabetes medications.

Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. And consider working with a registered dietitian to address cardiovascular conditions with a food- and movement-first approach.