• Other name: cilantro
• Family: Umbelliferae family
• Part used: leaves and seeds
• Uses of seeds: The seeds are used in curries, curry powder, pickles, sausages, soups and stews. The essential seed oil is used in various herbal remedies and dietary supplements, and to flavor gin, vermouth, liqueurs, tobacco and perfumery.

Coriander also known as cilantro is a soft, hairless plant growing to 50 cm (20 inch) tall. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the most commonly used part. Cilantro is the common name use in the plant leaves, while coriander is the common name for the plant dried seeds. A coriander seed has a lemony citrus flavor when crushed. They are used whole or ground as a flavoring for food and as a seasoning. The fresh leaves are an essential ingredient in many South Asian foods, in Chinese dishes and in Mexican salsa. The leaves are often used raw or added to the dish right before serving.

Available forms: Coriander seeds are available as whole seeds or in the powder form. Whole seeds are preferred, rather than the powder form, as the latter tends to lose flavor fast.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Coriander seeds are used as folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia.
• Coriander seeds are used in traditional Indian medicine as a diuretic.
• Coriander leaves can help accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminum from the body.
• Coriander seed can help improve stomach problems like indigestion, diarrhea and flatulence. Mild coriander tea is safe to be given to children under age 2 for colic.
• Coriander tea promotes gastric secretions and help stimulates appetite.
• Coriander has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help prevent infections from wounds. Just sprinkle some powdered coriander seed or leaves on a newly washed injured area.
• Coriander has anti-inflammatory properties that can help cases like arthritis and rheumatism.
• Coriander tea is used as a genital deodorant.
• Gargling with Coriander tea is helpful in toothache and bad breath.

Preparation and Dosage:

• Infusion: Use 1 tsp of dried leaves or crushed seeds (or ½ tsp of powdered seeds) per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day before or after meals.
• Powder: Ingest ¼ to ½ tsp per dose
• Capsules: Take 2 600mg capsules, 2-3x each day with water at mealtimes.

Preparation tip: Seeds can be roasted or heated on a dry pan briefly before grinding to enhance its aroma and flavor. Like most spices, ground coriander seed loses its flavor quickly, it is best therefore to ground just before using. Whole coriander seed should be stored in a tightly sealed container away from sunlight and heat.

Buying tips: When purchasing, look for leaves that are tender, aromatic, and bright dark green. If it has no aroma, it will have no flavor.