Latin name: Coriandrum sativum
Common name(s): Chinese parsley, Cilantro, Coriander, Coriander greens, Coriander herb
Cilantro or Coriander has been used for centuries in many countries for culinary purposes but it has also been used for medicinal purposes as well. All parts of the plant are eatable. It is most commonly called by cilantro in America and Europe. The leaves, oil, seeds and roots are use in herbal healing. Cilantro is a pungent aromatic annual plant. It has lobed leaves which become more divided the higher up on the stem they grow.
In the summer it blooms white to mauve flowers which are then followed by circular, ribbed fruits that are pale brown in color. When they are ripe they have a very fruity scent. Cilantro or Coriander is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and it has been naturalized in America. The oil of coriander or cilantro is a bactericide and a fungicide.
Coriander aids in digestion, stimulates the appetite and relieves irritation. Coriander works on hemorrhoids and painful joints. Cilantro or Coriander is an analgesic, antibacterial, anti-spasmodic, astringent, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, laxative, stimulant and tonic. Coriander seeds can be chewed to help relieve flatulence and upset stomach or a tea can be made from the seeds.
To treat rheumatism crush the seeds and combine with hot water or tea to make a paste then apply to the area of the body which is affected by rheumatism. You can also add a bit of oatmeal to this mixture to thicken it up for a better paste. Coriander helps to remove phlegm from the lungs and bronchial tubes. Coriander leaves when eaten help aid in the production of insulin which in turn is helpful to people with diabetes.
Coriander juice is beneficial because it contains vitamin A, B1 , B2, C and Iron. You can drink a regular mixture of coriander and water to lower high cholesterol. According to Chinese herbal texts from the Han dynasty from about 2,000 years ago it was believed that coriander had the power to give immortality to people.
The roots of coriander are used in Asian and Thai dishes. The leaves are used in American, Chinese, European, Mexican, Russian and South Asian dishes. The leaves of cilantro or coriander contain magnesium, potassium and plenty of fiber so regular consumption boost the immune system and purifies the blood.
Coriander or Cilantro can be used to treat the following:
Arthritis, burns, catarrh, conjunctivitis, colitis, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, eye problems, fever, flatulence, headaches, hepatitis, high cholesterol, improve memory, improve vitality, indigestion, inflammation, kidney disorders, loss of appetite, painful joints, menstrual problems, migraines, morning sickness, mouth ulcers, nausea, neuralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, stomachache, ulcer, vomiting and wounds.