Search Our Topics:

Sitemap
logo


Kalyx.com Herbs, Foods, Supplements, Bath & Body

The Benefits of Coriander

By Andrea Lewis

Coriander
Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Bookmark and Share
Better known for its popularity in Asian cuisine, Coriander, also known as Chinese parsley and Cilantro, has marvelous medicinal abilities that have been recognized by many cultures for millennia.

It's believed the Ancient Greeks used coriander to assist in weight loss. In Ayurvedic medicine, coriander is used as a digestive aid; in Chinese medicine, the whole herb is used to treat such conditions as nausea, toothache, hernias, measles, dysentery and piles. Traditionally, coriander has been used as an infusion to aid in the healing of digestive conditions, flatulence, anorexia, gripe pains and for children's diarrhea.

Coriander (Whole) - 4 Lb Coriander (Whole): GR
Click on image to learn more
about whole coriander seeds
The leaves of coriander can be made into a tea (also mixed with Fennel, Caraway and Aniseed) which can help aid flatulence and indigestion; breastfeeding mothers drink coriander tea to ease colic in baby. Coriander leaves and seeds are used extensively in cooking as both a spice and garnish, particularly in Middle Eastern cookery and in curries. Coriander is often added as a flavoring ingredient in pharmaceutical digestive remedies, in perfume and to flavor liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Benedictine.

Coriander produces an essential oil by steam distillation of the crushed seeds which is used in aromatherapy for healing; in aromatherapy use, coriander has the ability to help in the healing of digestive problems:

  • Flatulence
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Colic

Coriander Seed Powder Cert. Organic (Coriandrum sativum; Cilantro) 1 lb: C
Click on image to learn more
about coriander seed powder
It is also used to:
  • Eliminate toxins
  • Stimulate circulation
  • Ease migraine
  • Treat rheumatism and arthritis

Along with being analgesic, stimulant, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious and carminative; Coriander *essential oil mixes well with other essential oils, especially fennel, grapefruit, mandarin, ginger and other spice and citrus oils.

Coriander has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iranian folk medicine. Experiments in mice support its use as an anxiolytic. Coriander seeds are used in traditional Indian medicine as a diuretic by boiling equal amounts of coriander seeds and cumin seeds, then cooling and consuming the resulting liquid. In holistic and traditional medicine, it is used as a carminative and as a digestive aid.

Coriander Seed Essential Oil 4 fl oz: C
Click on image to learn more
about coriander essential oil
Coriander juice (mixed with turmeric powder or mint juice) is used as a treatment for acne, applied to the face in the manner of toner. But you may want to test it on your arm or another inconspicuous part of the body before applying it to your face, as Coriander can produce an allergic reaction in some people.

For relief from the pain of rheumatism, pound the seeds and combine with hot water or tea to make a paste, then apply to the affected area. Oatmeal may be added to this mixture to produce the desired consistency.

Coriander is primarily used in modern medicine as a flavoring agent in medicines and as a stomach soothing addition to more irritating compounds. For upset stomach and flatulence relief, chew on Coriander seeds or drink a tea made from the seeds.

*Warning: If unfamiliar in the use of essential oils, professional advice should be taken, as large amounts of coriander essential oil can be sedating. But a good rule of thumb is this: 2-5 drops per teaspoon base oil, 8-15 drops per tablespoon base oil.

disclosure policy