Cow Parsley (Anthriscus cerefolium)

Cow Parsley (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and shoots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, bitter, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

Cow Parsley (Anthriscus cerefolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cow Parsley (Anthriscus cerefolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cow Parsley
Scientific Name	Anthriscus cerefolium
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Anthriscus
Species	cerefolium
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Shoots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Anthriscus cerefolium
Common Name: Cow Parsley
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Anthriscus, Cerfolium, Button Weed
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Anthriscus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: White flowers arranged in umbels with 4-5 ovate petals and a short tubular throat, actinomorphic symmetry, with a prominent central cluster of stamens.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ribbed, and glabrous, with a branching pattern of opposite or alternate leaves and a growth habit that is erect or creeping.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a gentle diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a soothing bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a cooling carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.