A distinctive herb that contributes to enhancing overall well-being

A Healing Herb Guide

Coriander is the seventeenth herb to feature in my Healing Herb Guide. 

Coriander has been used as a herb and as a medicine since ancient times with archaeologicsts finding evidence of Coriander Seeds in caves in Israel dating back 8,000 years.

Also known as Chinese Parsley or Cilantro (in Spanish), Coriander is an annual herb belonging to the Celery family. Thought to be native to Iran, Coriander grows across wide areas of North Africa, Southern Europe and South-West Asia, including herb gardens across the British Isles.

All parts of the Coriander plant are edible with it being recorded as a foodstuff in a Japanese text dating back to the 10th century AD. Spanish Conquistadors are said to have introduced the flavourful herb to Mexico and Peru.

Coriander was introduced to the British Isles by late Bronze Age invaders who used the herb to add flavour to their Barley gruel. It was also mixed with Cumin and Vinegar to preserve meat and became an integral ingredient in Chili and other savouroy dishes. Coriander is particularly prevelent in Mexican food.

I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Corainder - a dynamic healing herb that will serve you well in support of your general good health, healing and wellbeing.

Folklore

Coriander has been cultivated and used since ancient times. It is mentioned in Sanskrit literature as far back as 5000 BC and in the Eber Papyrus (an Egyptian medical Papyrus of herbal knowledge) dating back to 1550 BC.

Corainder Seeds were prized by the Egyptians as they have been found in the tombs of the 21st Dynasty following the reign of Ramesses III who was the second Pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians called them the spice of happiness because it was known to have aphrodisiac qualities.

The Greek physician known as the father of medicine, Hippocrates [480 – [370BC], and other Greek physicians used Coriander in ointments to relieve arthritis and rheumatism. It was also used in herbal tea as an aid for digestion.

Unfortunately, to the Greeks, crushed unripe Coriander Seeds and leaves smelled like crushed bedbugs which is where its name came from. Coriander comes from the Greek word Koriannon representing a combination of koris, meaning stinking bug, and annon, meaning fragrant anise. Fortunately, apart from having a pungent smell, Coriander presents a delightful mix of flavours - fresh citrusy leaves with a slightly bitter taste and seeds with a pleasingly nutty, spicy and earthy flavour containing hints of citrus peel.

Nutrition

Coriander is anti-hyperglycemic which means decreases the glucose levels in the blood. This is especially helpful for those suffering from diabetes. Coriander is also anti-hyperlipidemic (lowers triglyceride and bad lipid levels), anti-proliferative (inhibits proliferation of cell growth) and hypotensive (lowers blood pressure to counteract hypertension).

It is a digestive stimulant with the leaves providing an excellent source of antioxidant flavonoids. Coriander is a diuretic that helps to flush excess sodium from the body contained in refined table salt.

For an aromatic tea, Coriander Seeds can be infused in filtered near-boiling water for about 5 minutes before straining. This healthy herbal tea helps to control blood sugar levels, provides a cure for food-borne bacterial infections and helps to relieve flu symptoms, sore throats and colds.

A blend of crushed Coriander leaves in buttermilk promotes healthy digestion. 

Remedies

Corander Seed Detox

Coriander Seed is classified as a spice and is used in Ayurveda to remove gar visha from the body. These are toxins that we take in from air pollution, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, skin care products, heavy metals and synthetic nutraceuticals. Coriander Seed has the ability to bind such toxins and remove them safely from the body. Considered the most cooling spice, it is the best to use for deep detoxification in the modern age.

• Bring one litre of filtered water to the boil and pur into in a stainless steel thermos.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of whole Coriander Seeds to the thermos.
• Let it steep 20 minutes before pouring into a cup or glass and sipping it.
• Keep sipping for 4 hours.
• After this time the tea will lose its effectiveness, so throw out the remainder. 
• Repeat for the next three months on a daily basis.
• If you get any symptoms as the toxins come out, such as a rash or digestive upset, cut back on the amount of the Coriander Seed. A pinch of the seeds will do which is less than an eighth of a teaspoon.

SOURCE (includes video): Coriander - The Best Spice for a Detox - Dr Marianne Teitelbaum

Recipes

Coriander Butter

This easy to make recipe packs a real punch, adding a spectacular flavour to an organic grass-fed steak or similar meat dish.

• 2 x tablespoons Coriander (chopped)
• 1 x 50g Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 x fresh Lemon (zested)
• Sea Salt and ground Black Pepper (to taste)

All you have to do is wash and finely chop the fresh Corainder leaves, blend into the butter and season to taste with Sea Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper. Roll into a sausage shape, wrap with compostable clingfilm and chill until ready to use.