CELERY
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Celery  is  a  biennial  plant  with  bulbous  fleshy  roots, producinging
     branched  and  angular stems up to 1  foot  tall in second year with small
     grey-white flowers.

     Celery  needs  a  sunny, with midday  shade,  location.  It should also be
     sheltered  from strong winds. Grows best  in rich, moist, and well drained
     soil. Sow outdoors in late spring. Soak seeds before planting. Germination
     typically  takes  about 10-20 days. Make  sure  you water the plant often,
     juiciness depends on how much water the plant received

     Transplant  or thin to 16 inches apart. Celery is not suitable for growing
     indoors.  Pick  leaves  in late summer,  or  as needed. Collect seeds when
     ripe. Dry or freeze leaves, or infuse in vinegar.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     The  celery  leaves are rich in  vitamins, mineral salts, and other active
     ingredients of nutritious value.

     Canned  soups come alive with a handful  of minced celery leaves tossed in
     during  cooking. Dried leaves may replace fresh ones for soups, sauces and
     stock, although it has a stronger taste .

     Add  small  amounts  of  chop leaves  into  salads,  cream cheese, poultry
     stuffings, or use as a garnish. Some people are allergic to celery and for
     them  the real harm comes from the poison which is given off by the leaves
     under  condition of considerable moisture. This  poison may produce a rash
     like poison ivy.


                                   MEDICAL USES:
     Scientists  have  discovered a surprising  numbers  of healing benefits in
     celery  seeds. They may help relieve  insomnia and high blood pressure and
     may  even  help some people manage  diabetes and congestive heart failure.
     Try  a  pleasant-tasting  infusion  as  a  mild  relaxant  or  to bring on
     menstruation.  Use  1-2  teaspoons  of freshly  crushed  seeds  per cup of
     boiling water. Steep for 10-20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

     CELERY  SALT  2  teaspoons celery seeds  into  6 teaspoons table salt, mix
     thoroughly. Store the mixture in a salt shaker. Let the salt sit for a few
     days then use as needed.

     Celery  juice,  an extract of celery  seed, is an excellent diuretics that
     promote  the  flow  of  urine  through  the  kidneys.  Bruise  and  add  3
     tablespoons  of the seeds to a pint of  brandy or red wine. Steep them for
     several  days.  Dosage  is 1 tablespoon at  a  time  with 2 tablespoons of
     water,  three  times  a day. Celery  seed  oil  contains a chemical called
     Phthalides  that  has sedative effect  in  animals. Animals findings don't
     always  apply  to humans, but if  you're anxious, nervous, or wakeful, try
     this herb and see if it works for you.

                                      WARNING:
     Celery seeds may be used under the supervision of a physician as part of a
     program  to  treat  high  blood  pressure,  congestive  heard  failure, or
     diabetes. Celery juice and oil should not be used during pregnancy.