Parsley's chief traditional use has been as a diuretic. It was also employed for colds, respiratory mucus, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, asthma and coughs. The root was often used for gallbladder problems, especially gall stones. An extract of apiol or a strong decoction of the root was used as an abortifacient. Parsley was used by the ancient Greeks, and specifically mentioned by Homer. Gerard (1597) noted the features of the plant, as did Hill (1751), Woodville (1790), Carter (1862) and a number of the Eclectics. Petroselinum species were used by a handful of North American Indian tribes as a kidney-bladder tonic and an abortive.