Traditional use: Used in Ayurvedic, ancient Egyptian, and European herbal traditions as a diuretic, anti-rheumatic, and digestive tonic; traditionally prescribed for gout, arthritis, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, hypertension, and nervous exhaustion. 

Potential benefits: Phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide) and flavonoids deliver diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and uricosuric effects; clinical and preclinical research supports use for hypertension, gout, uric acid reduction, and urinary tract support. 

Warnings: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to uterotonic and emmenagogue activity; avoid in kidney inflammation or nephritis; may potentiate diuretic, antihypertensive, and anticoagulant medications; Apiaceae allergy cross-reactivity possible—patch test advised.