Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is of the plant family Apiaceae (also known as the Umbelliferae plant family); it is often known by the synonym Chinese parsley. Coriander has been used for centuries and it is reported that coriander seeds were found in the Egyptian tomb of King Rameses II. Ancient Greek physicians reputedly used coriander in healing; in the East, coriander has been used for its medicinal properties in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Ancient Use of Coriander
The Ancient Greeks were said to use 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.
Identifying the Herb Coriander
Coriander is an aromatic, annual herb; it only grows up to three feet in height. It is a hairless plant with umbels of delicate white or pink flowers which blossom through June and July. Coriander also produces seeds which turn from green to brown and earns the plant the synonym coriander seed. Coriander is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia, although it is now commonly found in southern Europe, North America, Russia, Romania and former Yugoslavia.
Coriander as an Essential Oil
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 (such as flatulence, indigestion and constipation), to eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation, ease migraine and treat rheumatism and arthritis.
Coriander essential oil has properties which include being analgesic, stimulant, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious and carminative; it mixes well with essential oils such as fennel, grapefruit, mandarin, ginger and other spice and citrus oils. If unfamiliar in the use of essential oils, professional advice should be taken as in large amounts, coriander essential oil can be sedating.
Other Healing Uses of Coriander
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 for Health
Used correctly, coriander has many properties to aid in healing; it can be used as an essential oil, in natural medicine practices, such as Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, and drunk as a medicinal tea. Coriander has culinary uses and flavoring properties in modern remedies used to treat digestive ailments. Overall, coriander is a versatile herb for healing.
References:
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK:Thorsons
Podlech, Dieter 2001 Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe UK: Collins Nature Guides
