Coriander

Coriander belongs to the apiaceous family, popularly known as the carrot family. This family comprises many other notable and good-for-health plants like celery, parsley, cumin, parsnip and of course carrot. Unlike the members of its family, coriander can be grown round the year and this makes the herb widely used all over the world. Its aroma and unique taste has led coriander to attain an important position in culinary usage. And considering the loads of medicinal properties offered by this herb, you would agree that coriander is nothing short of a wonder food. So, letas look into some of the health benefits of coriander.

Coriander (coriandrum sativum) is an herb that is believed to have been originally grown in the mediterranean, and is generally used around the world as a condiment, flavouring and garnishing in dishes. It is also known, particularly in the americas, as acilantro". It is known by its leaves, which closely resemble parsley, the coriander plant also bears fruit that resembles white-rose seeds.

This fruit was once used by carmeltie order nuns of the to prepare the fragrant parisian eau de toilette. The coriander fruit has a pleasant smell and tastes sweet, which is why it has also been used to flavour wines and liqueurs, and to prevent bad breath.

The seeds produced by the coriander. They are cordial, aromatic, and chiefly used to correct the griping tendency of active purgatives, as , etcetera. They are excellent to expel wind, warm, and strengthen the stomach, and aid digestion, are good for pains in the head, and arrest purgings.

The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

Some of the acids present in coriander, like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-c) are very effective in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. They also reduce the level of bad cholesterol (ldl) deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins, which can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like artherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

More importantly, coriander helps to raise the levels of healthy cholesterol (hdl), which works as a preventative line of defense against a number of dangerous conditions.

Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as borneol and linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea.

It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components like cineole, borneol, limonene, alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene have antibacterial effects.

Coriander is also increasingly popular as a means of preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders.

Its wealth of bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being discovered in this power-packed plant.

In addition to these health aspects of the stomach, fresh coriander leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels prepared for a large meal.

Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension.

The interaction of calcium ions and cholinergic, a neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous system, more commonly know as acetylcholine.

The interaction of these two elements relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby reducing the chances of a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.

Citronelol, a component of essential oils in coriander, is an excellent antiseptic.

Additionally, other components have anti-microbial and healing effects which keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth from worsening. They help speed up the healing process of ulcers and also freshen breath.

Although not in common use in mainstream products, coriander is often used as an antiseptic component of all-natural toothpastes.

In fact, before the invention of toothpaste, people would chew on coriander seeds to reduce bad breath!

Coriander is high in iron content, which directly helps people who suffer from anemia.

Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in cognitive functions.

Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ systems, increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.

Multiple studies have shown coriander to have strong anti-histamine properties that can reduce the uncomfortable affects of seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis).

Coriander oil can also be used to reduce allergic reactions to contact with plants, insects, food, and other substances that may cause allergic reactions on the skin or when consumed.

Internally, it can ward off anaphylaxis, hives, and dangerous swelling of the throat and glands.

Itas never a bad idea to protect yourself against allergic reactions, especially since it is difficult to know what you might be allergic to, until you come in contact with it for the first time!

The coriander leaves contain natural antihistamines, vitamin-c and bioflavonoids.

The juice that is extracted from the coriander leaves can be used as a topical application for the treatment of allergies and skin diseases like eczema and fungal infections.

Coriander is also effective in reducing allergic reactions such as hay fever.

When the coriander fruit is boiled in hot water, the infusion can be used to treat colic, flatulence, constipation, reduce digestive spasms, relieve abdominal pains, treat bacteria and fungal infections and kill intestinal parasites.

Studies have shown that coriander oil has good antibacterial properties against e.

Coli and salmonella bacteria, and is a powerful detoxifying agent of harmful substances such as lead and mercury.

Due to its anti-microbial properties, coriander is also effective in preventing and treating conjunctivitis.

The coriander fruit contains coriandrol, an aromatic substance that is used to treat liver cancer.

The oil which is extracted from dried coriander fruit is effective in relieving rheumatic pains and body aches associated with flu or cold.

Its oil extract can also be used to massage the abdomen to relieve discomfort associated with indigestion, colic, distend and diarrhea.