Coriandrum sativum
Umbelliferae

Fatty oil: chief fatty acids petroselic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid.

Hydroxycoumarins: including umbelliferone, scopoletine

Seeds have been found in the tombs of Pharohs, and the Roman legions carried coriander as they progressed through Europe, using it to flavor their bread.

Action

The fruits of coriander are: alterative, antibilious, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.

Fresh leaves are pungent and aromatic.

The essential oil of coriander stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and is a carminative and spasmolytic; in vitro it has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Uses

Dyspeptic complaints
Loss of appetite

Coriander is used for dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and complaints of the upper abdomen.

Coriander is also used traditionally for digestive and gastric complaints as well as for coughs, chest pains, bladder complaints, leprosy rash, fever, dysentery, externally for headaches, oral and pharyngeal disorders, halitosis, and post- partal complications.

Coriander can be applied externally for rheumatism and painful joints. It improves the flavor of other medicinal preparations. At one time it was believed to have aphrodisiac effects.

Chinese herbalists use coriander seeds to treat indigestion, anorexia, and stomachache. Chinese herbalists suggests that coriander herb can be used to treat influenza in which there is no sweating.

Chinese Folk medicine uses coriander leaves and seeds to help remove unpleasant odors occurring in the genital areas of men and women, as well as halitosis or bad breath. See the dosage recommendations and preparations below.

Coriander Seed Oil had many medicinal uses. It has antibacterial properties and is used to treat colic, neuralgia, and rheumatism. The oil counteracts unpleasant odors in pharmaceutical preparations and tobacco. It is also used in perfumes, liqueurs and gin.

Coriander seeds are ground into a paste for application to skin and mouth ulcers. Before the invention of toothpaste, coriander seeds were chewed as a breath sweetener.

Coriander oil is very useful in flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia etc. Recommended dose is from 1 to 4 minims on sugar or in emulsion.

The dried fruit of cardamom (generally used as infusion or decoction) is useful for the treatment of sore-throat, flatulence, indigestion, vomiting, other intestinal disorders, common catarrh and bilious complaints.

Characteristics: The fresh herb and unripe fruit has a bug-like smell, ripe fruit has a pleasant tangy smell and taste.

Cilantro juice, infusions (hot and cold), powder

Infusion: Steep 2 tsp. Dried seeds in 1 cup water. Take 1 cup a day.
Powder: Take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. at a time.

Preparation to eliminate genital odors and bad breath:
Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and add 3-1/2 tbsp. of seed. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours until the amount has been reduced to slightly less than a quart of liquid. Add 2 tsp. fresh, finely grated orange peel and one pitted, finely chopped date. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat entirely. Add I tsp. each of dried coriander leaf and finely chopped fresh parsley, with a drop or two of peppermint oil or wintergreen oil (optional).

Steep the mixture for about half an hour, stirring occasionally. Strain through a fine sieve or filter paper and store in a pint fruit jar with lid to seal it. Store in refrigerator until needed.

When using for genital problems, warm up a portion and rub all around genital area. Dry in the air. Or gargle and rinse mouth with 1/2 cup while cool, but not heated.

Also very good to hold in the mouth or soak cotton with and insert to relieve toothache.

Precautions: Not to be used in extreme vayu nerve tissue deficiency. The herb possesses a weak potential for sensitization.

No other information available.