Coriander, or cilantro, whatever you call it, you either love it or hate it. While it might be an essential herb in some of your favorite dishes, for other people consuming coriander can taste soapy. Either way, everyone should be considering it the same thing: medicine. Coriander has a deep history with records dating over 2,000 years. Over the years, many remedies and treatments have been found, studied, and tried. Coriander can be used as a remedy for digestive upsets to respiratory problems. Additionally, coriander has been found to cure a kitchen sink full of other ailments; such as, anxiety, insomnia, and cramps. It is also thought to possess aphrodisiac properties.
History & Folklore
Listed in the Ebers papyrus (1500 BCE), records of coriander exist for well over 2,000 years, and spanning over three different continents; including: Africa, Europe, and its native Asia. During the Han Dynasty in China, it was noted that coriander was helpful in treating diseased testes, burns, sore ears, and fluxes of the eyes (typically in conjunction with breast milk).
Habitat & Cultivation
An aromatic herb commonly used in asian dishes, it comes as no surprise that coriander is native to western Asia. Coriander grows to be slightly under 2 feet tall, with delicate, feathery leaves (cilantro), small white or pink flowers, and round seeds in beige coats (coriander). Today, coriander and cilantro alike are cultivated around the world. The seeds of coriander are gathered when ripe in summer.
Uses
Gentle Digestive Remedy taken in an infusion, coriander is known to be helpful in treating flatulence, bloating, and cramps; settles spasms of the gut and counters the effects of nervous tension
Oral Uses when chewed, coriander is known to sweeten the breath, especially after eating garlic. PUCKER UP!
Coughs & Respiratory known to treat coughs and bronchitis
Other Uses helpful to calm anxiety and aid sleep; as a rub to ease rheumatic pain; and, thought to possess aphrodisiac properties
Parts used
Seeds
Essential Oil
Leaves
Key Actions
Flavorful Spice
Expectorant
Digestive support
Relaxant
Aphrodisiac properties
Constituents
Volatile oil (1.5%)
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Phthalides
Phenolic acids
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 195-96.
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