Botanical name: Petroselinum crispum Parsley or garden parsley is a species of Petroselinum in the family Apiaceae, native to the central Mediterranean region and widely cultivated as an herb, a spice and a vegetable. Curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish and a taproot used as a food store over the winter. Parsley is a source of antioxidants (especially luteolin), folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Benefits and uses: Parsley is a bitter, aromatic, and diuretic herb that relaxes spasms, reduces inflammation and helps to clear toxins from the body. It is used for menstrual complaints and edema and also cleanses and strengthens the kidney and can even help break up kidney stones.