Order a parsley allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to parsley. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.
Parsley is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean. The two most popular forms are Italian flat-leaf and French curly-leaf. For many years, parsley has been used for treating conditions such as allergies, high blood pressure, and inflammatory diseases. It is commonly used today as a fresh culinary herb or dried spice. Parsley, also labeled as one of the most effective disease-fighting plants, provides tremendous nutritional value and offers many possible health benefits.
The herb is rich in many vitamins, especially vitamin K, which is necessary for bone health and blood clotting. Parsley is also a great source of vitamins A and C, important antioxidant nutrients. In addition, it is very low in calories and packed with flavor, making it a great low-calorie ingredient.
French curly-leaf parsley, either whole or chopped, is commonly used as a garnish and is found in many stocks, salads, soups, and sauces. Often, parsley sauce is served with fish or gammon in the UK. It is a major ingredient of the Brazilian cheiro-verde and the Italian salsa verde. In the Middle East, salads such as the Lebanese tabbouleh contain parsley as the main ingredient. In various European cuisines, root parsley is commonly used as an ingredient in casseroles, stews, and soups, as well as being eaten alone as a snack.
An allergy to parsley triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to a few hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a parsley allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Wheezing, nasal congestion, or trouble breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis
