Both the leaves and seeds are
used in cooking. During the Hand dynasty in China (207 BCE to 220 ACE) the
leaves were consider an aphrodisiac. In India it is supposed to “cool” a hot
stomach, banish intestinal gas, and aid digestion. Two tablespoons of
chopped coriander leaf should be eaten as soon as indigestion hits, or
sprinkled on the food for prevention.
In Ayurvedic medicine, an after-meal digestive aid is made by combining a
teaspoon each of coriander and fennel seeds, toasting them in a dry skillet
for about two minutes, until fragrant, and adding a pinch of salt. Chew
well. As a remedy for rashes, mash the fresh leaves and apply as and
“anti-fire, or anti-pitta” poultice, then offer a cup of coriander seed tea
(2 tsp in 1 cup boiling water, 7 minutes).
To make a medicinal tea, use 1
teaspoon of dried leaves or crushed seeds ( or ˝ teaspoon of powdered seeds)
per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day
before or after meals. Both forms of the herb can:
- Improve digestion:
The herb has been shown to improve tummy troubles of all kinds, from
indigestion to flatulence to diarrhea. "Both cilantro and coriander have
been shown to settle the stomach, " says James A. Duke, Ph.D., a botanist
retire from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of
The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Drink a cup of the tea when stomach
discomfort strikes.
- Relieve colic:
Weak coriander tea may be give children under age 2 for colic. It's safe
for infants and may relieve their pain and help you get some much needed
sleep.
- Prevent infection:
Cilantro and coriander contain substances that kill certain bacteria
and fungi, thereby preventing infections from developing in wounds.
Sprinkle some dried coriander seeds or leaves on minor cuts and scrapes
after thoroughly washing the injured area with soap and water.
- Soothe arthritis
pain: Intriguing new studies suggest that cilantro and coriander have
anti-inflammatory effects. Since the pain of arthritis is cause by
inflammation, a cup of this tea may help you.
Safety Considerations:
"I've never heard of any
problems with cilantro or coriander," says Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., director
of the American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City and
author of
The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine.
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