Apium graveolens L.

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a biennial herb less than 1 meter tall of the Apiaceae family, native to around the Mediterranean Sea, first cultivated on a large scale by Taiwan before spreading to Europe and America. Its content of the flavonoids apiin and apigenin is important for fighting free radicals. Celery is traditionally believed to lower high blood pressure and uric acid levels.

Grows well at elevations of 1,000-1,500 m above sea level and optimally in environments with air temperatures ranging from 16-21°C. The desired planting medium is well-drained soil, able to retain water, and soil pH ranging from 5.8-6.7.

• Root a taproot, thick, root system spreading in all directions, dirty white color.
• Stem non-woody, jointed, branched, upright pale green.
• Leaves compound, thin, pinnate veins with 3-7 leaflets, light green to dark green color.
• Flowers single, clear stalk, sepal side hidden, flower petals whitish-green/pale pink with a bent tip.
• Fruit 3 mm long, angular stem, grooved, very aromatic.

• Propagated generatively (seed), germination takes place over 7-12 days, transplant to the garden after 2 months of age.
• Vegetative propagation: taking offsets found in the clump of the parent celery plant.

Flavonoid (apigenin), saponin, tannin, phenol, coumarin, steroid, alkaloid, kaempferol, apiin, falcarinol, panaxidol, 1-dodecanol, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, palmitic acid, stearic acid.

Treats hypertension, appetite booster, lowers uric acid levels in the blood, addresses dry eyes, fertility booster, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, diuretic, antirheumatic, sedative, antithyroid, anticancer.

• Choose and separate celery leaves, stems, and flowers.
• Wash thoroughly using clean running water, then drain.
• Wilt the celery for approximately 24 hours.
• Dry (oven) at 40°C, to obtain simplisia with a moisture content of 10%.
• Store in a clean, airtight container.

Saledri (Sunda).