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Anthriscus cerefolium, commonly known as chervil is an annual herb that closely resembles parsley. The herb is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly used for garnishing. Apart from being used for garnishing, chervil medicinal uses have been extolled by herbalists for many years.
In studies involving animals and lab settings, chervil has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants assist the body to delay or prevent cell damage which occurs due to exposure to free radicals.
According to the National Institute of Health, oxidative stress plays a major role in causing a variety of health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. It is also responsible for eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Chervil is rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It also contains essentials oils including 4-dimethoxybenzene and 1-allyl-2. Chevril medicinal uses include:
Digestive health
Ancient civilizations used members of the Apiaceae family to treat and manage gastric-intestinal problems. Studies show that chervil infusions can treat stomach cramps and stomach ache. In addition, just like cilantro, parsley, and celery, chervil is great for digestion and for preventing hyperlipidemia
Antiseptic
Eugenol, one of chervil’s essential oils, has antiseptic and anesthetic properties. It is used in dentistry as local anesthesia and as an antiseptic agent for teeth and gum diseases. Eugenol has also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Brain care
Chervil, just like its close cousins, tarragon and parsley is rich in polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as apigenin. Studies suggest that apigenin works as a neuroprotector and is likely to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by reducing neural damage in the brain.
Heart-friendly
Dried chervil is a great source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron. Potassium is an important electrolyte that regulates blood pressure and heart rate by countering the effects of sodium. It is also good for the production of heme, which plays a major role in the transmission of oxygen inside red blood cells.
Weight loss
Chervil is used alongside red clover, dandelion and white bean to regulate weight loss. The combination is used to formulate the Ketogenic Mediterranean with Phytoextracts diet. This diet combines a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet, while the phytoextracts come in handy for countering side effects associated with the ketogenic diet.
Chervil may not be as famous as most herbs used to manage and treat ailments. But this little-known herb is no pushover as it has its accolades in the herbal world.
