Monnier’s snow parsley also known as Cnidium monnier, is a species of perennial or biennial herb in the Apiaceae , or parsley, family.
Contents
Uses
Cnidium has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, often for skin conditions. It’s not surprising that cnidium is a common ingredient in Chinese lotions, creams, and ointments.
People take cnidium by mouth for increasing sexual performance and sex drive, and for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Cnidium is also used for difficulty having children (infertility), bodybuilding, cancer, weak bones (osteoporosis), and fungal and bacterial infections. Some people also take it to increase energy.
Cnidium is applied directly to the skin for itchiness, rashes, eczema, and ringworm.
Benefits
Practitioners of TCM prescribe Cnidium monnier to improve libido in both men and women. The nitric oxide in the herb relaxes the muscles in the genital area and works similarly to sex hormones. This allows increased blood flow to these areas, which enhances sexual performance.
This herb is also used to treat wet skin conditions, particularly eczema, acne, and scabies. It is included in many anti-itch lotions, skin toners, and other beauty products.Cnidium monnier also appears to be useful in treating skin allergies, such as contact dermititis. Its effectiveness on other allergic reactions is currently being studied.
Osthol, bergapten, and imperatorin, all coumarins, were found and isolated in themonnier species. Studies show that these coumarins may improve osteoblastic cell activity. This is good news for people suffering with osteoporosis. It appears thatCnidium monnier strengthens bones and may work against osteoporosis.
The same coumarins being studied for use in the treatment of osteoporosis are also being studied in connection with cancer treatment. Studies reveal that osthol, imperatorin, bergapten, isopimpinellin, and xantotoxin may kill cancer cells. Osthol was apparently good at killing cells that cause leukemia, cervical cancer, and colorectal carcinoma.
TCM teaches that Cnidium monnier has a warming, strengthening effect on the body. Herbal tonics containing this herb are reportedly used to restore a sense of well-being and overall strength. In addition, it is said to improve digestion and may relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Caution
There is not enough information about Monnier’s snow parsley to know if it is safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cnidium during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Cnidii Monnieri Fructus, Cnidii Rhizoma, Cnidium Extract, Cnidium Fruit, Cnidium Fruit Extract, Cnidium Monnier, Cnidium monnieri, Cnidium Monnieri Fructus, Cnidium Seeds, Extrait de Cnidium, Extrait de Fruit de Cnidium, Fruit de Cnidium, Graines de Cnidium, Monnier’s Snowparsley, Selinum monnieri, She Chuang, She Chuang Dze, She Chuang Zi
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1098-cnidium.aspx?activeingredientid=1098&activeingredientname=cnidium
WiseGeek, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cnidium-monnier.htm