Chervil

Other Names of Chervil: Garden beaked parsley, French parsley, Anthriscus cerefolium

Useful Parts of the Plant: Leaves, dried flowers

Chervil is an annual herb, similar in appearance to parsley. It belongs to the botanical family Apiacea, and it is native to Europe. The plant grows up to a height of 16 to 17 inches and bears tripinnate, slightly curled leaves. It blooms in late spring and grows in moist or humid soil. The herb is aromatic, with a pleasant sweet aroma, the smell ranging between parsley and anise. It is used as a flavoring agent and garnishing ingredient, just as coriander and parsley. It may also be used as dried herb, which is less aromatic, but a useful constituent of various herbal preparations.

Nutritional Information and Properties of Chervil

Chervil is a rich source of certain minerals including potassium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. It is low in essential oil content, which is 0.3%, but this may be extracted from its seeds. Some of the prime chemical constituents of chervil are methylchavicol (or estragole) and hendecane (or undecane). The herb may be used in various culinary preparations due to its aroma and flavor, in limited amounts though. Pregnant women and lactating mothers must refrain from the intake of chervil. Also, the plant is highly resistant to insect and mites.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Chervil herb

Chervil is known for its expectorant-like properties. It helps remove mucous from the respiratory tract. As such, the herb helps prevent coughs and bronchitis.
Chervil herb is also a diuretic. It helps in the processes of excretion by promoting frequent urination. This leads to the removal of toxins and waste materials from the body, thereby preventing a variety of ailments.
Chervil stimulates the various biological systems of the body, thereby maintaining the overall physiology of the body. In this sense, chervil is like a tonic for the body. It also tones the epithelial lining of the body, thereby soothing all the internal organs.
Chervil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It serves as a mild analgesic, relieving pain and inflammation caused by a variety of ailments.
Chervil herb is also used in the treatment of constipation. It helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome by regulating bowel movements.
Chervil is used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions including eczema and acne.
Being a detoxifying agent, chervil helps reduce the appearance of early signs of ageing like dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It also helps purify blood and makes your skin look smoother and younger.
Chervil is a rich source of vitamin A, making it useful to enhance vision.
Chervil herb may be used to improve blood circulation and in the treatment of hemorrhages and varicose veins. It also helps prevent low blood pressure.
Chervil also helps prevent water retention during the menstrual phase, thus preventing bloating and other related symptoms. Chervil may be used in the treatment of herpes and amenorrhea.
Chervil is known to help in the treatment of cystitis, kidney, and bladder stones.
Chervil reduces the effect of allergic reactions and helps in the treatment of allergies.
Chervil herb is also used in the management of liver diseases.
Chervil may be used to relieve the pain caused by insect bites.
Chervil also promotes the state of skeletal system, attributed to its high content of potassium and calcium.
Chervil is very effective against common cold and flu.
You may chew fresh chervil leaves to stop hiccups.
Chervil herb also prevents and cures mouth ulcers and gum diseases.

Other Uses of Chervil

Chervil is widely used in a variety of culinary preparations.