
     CELERY ==========================

     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.
