Wild Chervil

Anthriscus sylvestris

Other Names : Anthriscus sylvestris, Cow Parsley, Wild beaked parsley, Keck, Queen Anne's lace, Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing', Weidekervel, Fluitenkruid
is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), genus Anthriscus.

Special Precautions of Wild Chervil

• Pregnancy : It is advisable to avoid using this herb in any form during pregnancy as it is known to induce uterine contractions.
• Not to be confused with giant cow parsley (Heracleum mantegazzianum) or French cow parsley (Orlaya grandiflora)
• Cow parsley can be mistaken for several similar-looking poisonous plants, among them Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and fool's parsley (Aethusa cynapium).
• It can be confused with giant cow parsley/giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), the sap of which can cause severe burns after coming in contact with the skin.
• Over consumption may cause some adverse effects.

Health Benefits and Uses of Wild Chervil

• considered to be edible, though having a somewhat unpleasant flavour, sharper than Garden Chervil, with a hint of carrot.
• The leaves and stems of have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-epileptic, antiviral and fungistat properties.
• Used for treating various stomach complaints, digestive disorders and kidney disorders.
• It is also used for the treatment of dropsy.
• infusion of these leaves is used for curing kidney stone and cystitis.
• for alleviating migraine headache and fighting obesity.
• for treating common cold and fever.
• The expectorant properties of these herbs make them beneficial for cough, cold and asthma.
• also believed to be able to prevent cancer.
• anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and anti-stress : beneficial for insomnia and sleeplessness.
• They are believed to be able to fight infertility
• Various researches show these plants to have the potential for working as an alternate medicine for various health disorders such as alzheimer’s disease, crohn’s disease, parkinson’s disease.
• They are also beneficial for diabetes and leukemia.
• Rumoured to be a natural mosquito repellent when applied directly to the skin. However, it can be confused with giant cow parsley/giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), the sap of which can cause severe burns after coming in contact with the skin.
• The roots of these medicinal plants are used for making a tonic used for various medicinal purposes.