History of Parsley Oil
Parsley has been cultivated and found in so many countries that it isn’t completely clear where it originates. It is mentioned often throughout Greek history, although there isn’t solid evidence to suggest that it was an ‘essential’ in Greek culture. The scientific name for parsley is Petroselinum Sativum and it boasts a number of health benefits, however it isn’t the parsley leaf that produces the oil, the parsley seed is used to create the essential oil.
Parsley Oil was used mostly across the Mediterranean in countries such as Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Tunisia and Morocco. It had a number of medicinal properties, was used as an anti-inflammatory as well as being used on cuts, bruises and minor wounds to stop the spread of infection due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Originally the oil was used as a tonic for men, but its benefits for female related health problems such as menstrual and hormonal issues shifted Parsley Oil from a predominantly ‘male’ oil to an essential in feminine beauty and healthcare products.
Today, Parsley Oil is found commonly in a lot of skincare products, and has been adopted by a number of high end ‘botanical’ or ‘natural’ brands. Aesop being the most prominent with a number of their products that are in the parsley seed collection. Aside from the oil, parsley is a widely accessible herb which can be used in cooking, creating salves and ointments or as a raw ingredient in homemade skin remedies.
So, why is Parsley Oil still so popular today?
Even though the depths of its history are slightly ambiguous (though we can assume it did originate in Greek culture) its commercial popularity with large brands has embedded it into skincare and natural beauty products. It has a pleasant aroma which lends well to botanical or floral products, and it is also very effective at reducing spots, cleansing the skin and keeping bacteria and dirt at bay.
It’s also popular because the actual herb itself is accessible on a global scale and can be grown in the comfort of your own home. The raw herb that can be used in cooking, as well as chopped up and used to make home remedies for skincare, pain relief and balancing hormones. Overall, it’s a versatile oil that has been commercialised due to its effectiveness, and it’s an oil that we see continuing to reign in the beauty sector.
