Cilantro root useful properties. Useful properties of coriander (cilantro), methods of preparation and scope

Coriander is a herbaceous annual plant used as a spice in cooking, as well as to give a pleasant aroma in perfumery and soap making. Use as a spice and seeds, and roots, and coriander greens, which is also known as cilantro.

Coriander is described in ancient treatises; it is one of the most common spice plants in the world, grown in Asia and the Mediterranean for about three thousand years.

Warriors and travelers took coriander with them on the road. They noticed that the seeds of this plant provide energy, increase appetite and help recover from illness and injury. In addition, meat sprinkled with seeds is stored longer, which has great importance. It was with travelers that coriander seeds came to Europe and Russia.

Many people are under the delusion that coriander and cilantro are two different spices. These are different parts of the same plant. But they have a different smell and taste, they differ significantly. In cooking, both herbs (fresh or dried) and dried seeds (whole or ground) are used.

Coriander seeds are round, 3-5 mm in diameter, usually light brown in color, sometimes greenish, bittersweet in taste, very fragrant.

Coriander contains organic acids, trace elements and many vitamins (A, PP, B1, B2, C), it contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, iodine. It is essential that these beneficial substances in the composition of coriander are balanced so that they are perfectly absorbed in the human body.

The benefits of coriander are known to many nations, and its use in folk medicine very wide. Green coriander (cilantro) tones the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Coriander seeds stimulate the digestive system, increasing appetite and helping to better absorb food, have carminative and diaphoretic properties. The essential oils of its seeds have a strong bactericidal and antihelminthic effect. Coriander enhances the work of the liver with lethargy and congestion in it, and improves appetite.

But that doesn't end there either. beneficial features Coriander: By accelerating digestion and improving metabolism, coriander promotes weight loss.

Coriander tincture helps treat bleeding gums and stomatitis. Coriander is useful for diarrhea, menstrual disorders, it normalizes blood sugar levels, and also strengthens the eye muscles, improving vision.

In the old days, coriander was often used for skin lesions and diseases. A compress of crushed cilantro leaves applied to a wound speeds up its healing. The antibacterial action of the juice is combined with an increase in the regeneration process, so cilantro is an excellent remedy for skin diseases.

Infusions and decoctions of coriander seeds are taken as a choleretic and antiseptic agent, for gastric and colds, as a sedative and relieves convulsions, they increase the secretion of gastric juice. Among the beneficial properties of coriander is a mild diuretic effect, which allows it to be used to treat edema.

To prepare an infusion of coriander, pour 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds with 1 cup of boiling water, insist in a warm place in a sealed container for 1 hour, strain. Take 0.25 cup 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Essential oils of coriander have long been used to treat eye diseases. In the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, the eyes were washed with a decoction in which coriander was an important component.

Contraindications to the use of coriander

Coriander is contraindicated during pregnancy. In all other cases, if coriander is consumed in moderation, used as a seasoning, then there are no contraindications for use. The only caveat is that it should not be taken by patients with a stomach ulcer and exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis. Such people should refrain from using spices, and coriander is no exception.

In addition, like any other product containing large doses of vitamins and trace elements, coriander requires compliance with the norm. Excess of this plant in the diet leads to poisoning.

Uses of coriander in cooking

Among the spices, coriander occupies a place of honor. Moreover, greens (cilantro), seeds, and coriander roots are used.

cilantro(young coriander leaves) has a fresh and spicy taste. Greens in taste and aroma are very different from seeds. It is indispensable in Caucasian cuisine, widely used in Southeast Asia. Green leaves and young shoots of coriander are added to salads and soups.

coriander seeds, like greens, an excellent seasoning for meat and fish. They can also be added to potatoes, salads, soups. They are the main ingredient for curry, which came to us from India and became very popular. Coriander is added to sauces, sausages, cheeses. Coriander is used in the preparation of dishes from red cabbage, Beijing, Savoy cabbage, it gives them a piquant taste.

Liqueurs are flavored with coriander seeds, added as a powder to baked goods and confectionery sprinkled on baked goods. It is also widely used in canning: pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, mushrooms are hard to imagine without coriander. This is a versatile seasoning that goes well with any dish and goes well with many other spices: black pepper, zira, celery, cumin, fennel.

Ground coriander does not retain its beneficial properties for long, even if the spices are stored correctly. It loses its taste and aroma very quickly, so it is better to buy whole seeds and grind them as needed. If the seeds are lightly fried in a dry frying pan, and then ground, they will become more fragrant.

coriander roots also used in cooking. Their taste resembles the taste of leaves, but more subdued. The dried and ground roots are an excellent seasoning very popular in Thai cuisine.

Other Uses for Coriander

In the perfume industry, essential oils obtained from coriander seeds are used in the production of cologne. This oil is used in medicine as an additive to improve the taste of some medicines.

Widespread use of coriander seeds is also in the cosmetic industry, in the production of liquors and soap making.

In the article we tell what coriander is and how it looks. We'll consider medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of herbal remedies. You will learn the difference between cilantro and coriander. Following our tips, you will learn how to choose high-quality spices and herbs.

For a detailed acquaintance with the plant, we will analyze what coriander is. Sowing coriander is an annual plant of the Umbelliferae family (lat. Apiaceae). The Latin name is Coriandrum sativum. The genus Coriander of the Umbelliferae family combines 2 species herbaceous plants: Coriandrum tordylium and Coriandrum sativum.

The Mediterranean is considered the birthplace of the plant. Coriander is grown throughout cultivated plant in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand. In Russia, coriander grows in the southeast and in the central regions.

What does coriander look like

Coriander is similar in appearance to parsley. Let's take a closer look at what coriander looks like, so as not to confuse it with other plants.

Appearance (photo) Coriander.

Coriander has a spindle-shaped rhizome. The length of the root reaches 30-40 cm. Upright bare shoots branch out in the upper part of the plant. Coriander stalks reach a height of 70 cm.

Basal leaves are wide, located on long petioles, the edge of the plate is incised-serrated. The lower stem leaves are twice pinnately divided, growing on short petioles. The upper stem leaves are sessile, pinnately dissected.

Coriander leaves are similar in shape to parsley leaves. Read more in the article Coriander and parsley. Small white or pink flowers form umbrella inflorescences. Coriander blooms in June - July.

The fruit is a hard ribbed spherical seed. Ripens from July to September, depending on the region.

How is it different from cilantro

Many people wonder - what is the difference between cilantro and coriander? In fact, cilantro and coriander are one and the same. Cilantro is the herb and coriander is the fruit. Therefore, the question of what is the difference between coriander and cilantro will be answered by this: coriander is cilantro seeds.

Coriander is the seed of cilantro.

Chemical composition

Coriander contains:

  • fatty acid;
  • essential oil;
  • Sahara;
  • alkaloids;
  • tannins;
  • starch;
  • B vitamins;
  • vitamin C;
  • vitamin E;
  • organic acids;
  • pectin;
  • protein substances;
  • sterols;
  • routine.

Medicinal properties

Having figured out what kind of coriander plant, consider the medicinal properties of the spice. Means based on the plant increase appetite, normalize digestion and have a choleretic effect. They are used to treat diseases of the liver, gallbladder and intestines.

Coriander effectively copes with cough due to its expectorant action. Plant-based products are used to treat influenza and SARS.

One of the most significant properties of coriander is the ability to stop the development of cancer cells. The plant is used to prevent cancer.

For more information about the medicinal properties of coriander, see the following video:

Application of coriander

A pleasant spicy aroma has found its application in perfumery. Coriander essential oil is used in cosmetology and soap making. It pairs with citrus, sandalwood, sage, bergamot and cinnamon.

Coriander fruits are used in folk medicine. They can be found in the composition of pharmaceutical gastric and choleretic fees. Coriander infusion is drunk in case of indigestion.

Ingredients:

  1. Coriander seeds - 1 teaspoon.
  2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over coriander seeds, cover and let steep for 2 hours.

How to use: Take 50-70 ml of drink 3 times a day.

Result: The infusion normalizes digestion, eliminates stomach cramps and regulates the production of bile.

In combination with cumin, coriander is used to eliminate flatulence and treat hemorrhoids. Read more in the article Coriander and cumin.

Coriander seed tincture is used as a sedative. The drink effectively eliminates nervousness and anxiety.

Ingredients:

  1. Coriander seeds - 1 tablespoon.
  2. Vodka - 100 ml.

How to cook: Pour coriander seeds with vodka, insist for 2 weeks in a dark, cool place. Strain the finished product.

How to use: Take 20 drops 2-3 times a day.

Result: The remedy quickly calms and eliminates nervous excitability. It is used as a powerful antidepressant.

How to choose and buy

Coriander is sold in any grocery store.

Coriander is sold in any supermarket and market. When choosing cilantro, pay attention to the external state of the greens. The bunches should be strong, the leaves should be fresh, without yellow or black spots.

Greens are stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To preserve the taste properties of the herb for a long time, it can be frozen. Before this, the cilantro is washed, dried and finely chopped.

If you buy coriander seeds by weight, you can judge their quality by their appearance. They should be light brown or brown in color. The surface of the seeds is clean, without extraneous stains and traces of mold.

Dried herbs or coriander seeds are stored in a dark place in a tightly closed container. You can use a glass jar for this. The shelf life of seeds is more than 6 months.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of coriander:

  • high blood pressure;;
  • diabetes;
  • kidney failure;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • individual intolerance.

Excessive consumption of coriander leads to sleep disturbance and menstrual cycle among women. The daily norm is no more than 35 gr. greens or 4 gr. seeds.

What is another name for coriander?

What is another name for coriander?

  • Chinese parsley;
  • sowing intestine;
  • hamem;
  • calender;
  • shlendra;
  • chilantro.

Coriander is called sancho in Korea, dhaniya in India, and kuzbara in Arab countries.

What to remember

  1. Coriander has been widely used in folk medicine, cooking and cosmetology.
  2. Plant-based products are used to treat gastric and intestinal diseases, disorders of the biliary tract and the nervous system.
  3. Coriander and cilantro are the same plant. Cilantro - greens, coriander - plant seeds.

Coriander, or cilantro(there are also such names as kneedra, bedbug, Chinese parsley) - one of the most common spicy plants in the world, it has been known since ancient times - it has been grown in the Caucasus, in Asia, in southern Europe for the third thousand years.

Widely used in cooking, coriander was first known as medicinal plant. In his healing properties the ancient Egyptians were so sure that its seeds were found in the tombs of the pharaohs, the Egyptians believed that in the realm of the dead, the seeds of the plant are a matter of prime necessity.

Merchants and conquerors took coriander on a long journey, because meat grated with grains lasts much longer, and the grains themselves provide energy and have a lot of useful properties. Most likely, with the Roman conquerors, coriander grains ended up in different provinces of the Roman Empire.
In cooking and medicine, both coriander seeds and its leaves and even root are used.

The chemical composition of cilantro

Coriander is a source of many trace elements and vitamins: A, B1, B2, C, PP, iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iodine. B vitamins and vitamin C are found mainly in cilantro leaves, while grains contain starch, tannins and sugar.

Healing properties of coriander

Since different parts of coriander differ in their chemical composition, then the medicinal properties of grains, greens and coriander root should be considered separately. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the essential oil of cilantro, which is contained in different concentrations both in the leaves and in the grains of the plant.

Coriander greens

Coriander greens - this is what is most often called cilantro, due to the content of ascorbic acid, rutin, carotene in it, it is used in the fight against scurvy. Cilantro also tones the muscles of the heart and the walls of blood vessels. The bactericidal properties of cilantro leaves have been used since ancient times for the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. To do this, a compress was made by kneading cilantro leaves and applied to damaged areas of the skin. Cilantro juice treats stomatitis, helps with toothache.

  • A mixture of cilantro leaves and parsley is known to increase sexual function.
  • cilantro is useful for diabetes contributes to the improvement of vision.
  • An infusion of cilantro greens can be prepared according to the following recipe: pour 1 tablespoon of dry or fresh leaves with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Take a quarter cup 3 times a day before meals.

For preventive purposes, coriander greens are used in traditional dishes of both European and Asian cuisines; without it, it is impossible to imagine a feast in the Caucasus. Cilantro is added to salads, various soups, vegetable and meat dishes, while the main thing to remember is that cilantro should not be heat-treated, otherwise its useful qualities will be lost.

Coriander grains

Coriander seeds also have bactericidal properties, making them a weapon in the fight against infections. Coriander seed has the properties of a beneficial effect on the activity of the brain and heart, has a general strengthening effect and invigorates, improves appetite, and promotes the absorption of food. Coriander also normalizes liver function, is used in the fight against flatulence. A decoction or infusion of coriander seeds has a calming effect, helps prevent nervous breakdowns and tantrums. Coriander seeds are recommended for epileptics.

Coriander is also believed to have antihelminthic properties. Eating coriander seeds normalizes the menstrual cycle and general hormonal levels. In folk medicine, coriander seeds are used as a means of improving sexual function.

Coriander speeds up digestion and improves metabolism, and therefore contributes to the normalization of weight.

An infusion of fruits is prepared in the following way: 1 tablespoon of seeds is poured with a glass of boiling water. Infuse for half an hour and take a quarter cup a day after each meal.

coriander root

Coriander root is mainly used in oriental medicine. As a prophylactic, crushed coriander root is traditionally added to sauces, soups and meat dishes in Asian cuisine.

Essential oil of coriander

Coriander essential oil, the main component of which is linalool, is endowed with antiviral and antibacterial properties, improves immunity. In modern aromatherapy, it is used to normalize memory and relieve stress. Essential oil is used to stop bleeding, to treat hemorrhoids. The hemostatic property of coriander oil is also used to combat bloody diarrhea.

Coriander essential oil is a pharmacy product and is quite affordable. It is used 1-3 drops after meals.

Thorough chewing of coriander leaves or seeds relieves bad breath, as well as hangovers.

Coriander essential oils are also used to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis and others.

Contraindications to the use of coriander

In general, coriander herb is safe. Basically, contraindications relate to essential oil, namely, its therapeutic doses should not be exceeded, as this can lead to inhibition of the functions of the heart and kidneys. The abuse of cilantro is dangerous for pregnant women, as well as for patients with gastritis, diabetes, thrombophlebitis.

Rules for harvesting and storing coriander

As medicinal raw materials, mainly grains and greens of cilantro are harvested. The leaves and stems are dried in the summer in the sun, after which it acquires a pleasant aroma. Best time for harvesting coriander seeds - the second mid-August, when the concentration of nutrients in them is the highest. When threshing coriander umbrellas, it is necessary to ensure that the grains are not damaged, because then the tubules that contain the essential oil open, and its concentration in the raw material decreases, which reduces the value of the raw material.

Store prepared raw materials in hermetically sealed containers or other glass containers, as well as in paper bags in a dry and cool place. Then the smell will not disappear and access for harmful insects will be blocked.

Small hard ribbed balls of brown color with a tart aroma - the well-known coriander. The beneficial properties of the plant are used in many areas of life - in cooking, in cosmetology, in traditional medicine. The plant is sometimes called cilantro. Clarification: - these are green leaves, and the fruits are just called coriander. We will tell you in detail about the properties and use of the plant.

About spice

Cilantro is an annual herbaceous plant. Its leaves resemble parsley in shape, but have a more spicy aroma and bitter taste. The plant is called coriander not by chance: green fruits have an unpleasant smell, reminiscent of the smell of a bug. This insect is called in Greek - coriander.

Dried fruits smell completely different. The seeds owe their woody aroma to their essential oil content. It is this substance that makes them spicy. No wonder coriander is added even to sweet pastries.

The homeland of the plant is the east of the Mediterranean. Its distribution began in the era of great geographical discoveries - from the 15th century. Now cilantro is grown everywhere. In Russia, the growing area is the central and southeastern regions. Other plant names:

  • Chinese parsley;
  • calandra - in Belarus;
  • sowing kishnets - in Russia;
  • dhaniya - in India,
  • sancho - in Korea.

What parts of the plant are used:

  1. Greens. Used fresh. The youngest leaves are harvested as soon as the cilantro sprouts.
  2. Dried cilantro leaves are harvested for adding to food and making medicines.
  3. Coriander fruits are eaten only in dried form. First they are dried, then cleaned and crushed as needed.
  4. Coriander essential oil is extracted by steam distillation.

Composition

Widespread use is due to the rich composition of the spice. It is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other substances necessary for a person. Vitamins in coriander:

  • B1, B2, B3, B4 and B9.

Trace elements:

  • iron,
  • manganese,
  • selenium,
  • zinc,
  • copper.

Macronutrients:

  • phosphorus,
  • calcium,
  • magnesium,
  • sodium,
  • potassium.

Fatty acid:

  • stearic,
  • oleic,
  • linoleic,
  • palmitic.

Coriander contains tannins, dietary fiber, and starch. Flavonoids, phytoncides, antioxidants, choline, dodecenal are present in the spice - a natural antibiotic. The spice also contains alkaloids, fructose and glucose. Calorie content per 100 g of product: in leaves - 23 calories, in ground seeds - 298 kcal.

Properties

In cooking, the spice is used because of its spicy aroma and sweetish taste. Coriander has the ability to improve appetite. The spectrum of action of the plant is wide, which allows it to be equally successfully used both in cooking and in cosmetology and medicine. The main properties of cilantro:

  • antiseptic,
  • choleretic,
  • painkiller,
  • expectorant,
  • warming
  • soothing,
  • anti-inflammatory,
  • hemostatic,
  • laxative,
  • cleansing,
  • anti-cancer,
  • whitening,
  • rejuvenating.

Benefit

What are the Benefits of Eating Coriander Seeds?

  • Improves blood composition due to iron content. To increase hemoglobin, eat a bunch of fresh green cilantro daily.
  • Iron in the composition of the plant helps to avoid anemia. Moreover, coriander acts not only as a prophylactic, but also as a medicinal agent in the early stages of this disease.
  • The spice normalizes cholesterol levels.
  • Selenium removes slags and toxins from the cells of the body, as well as heavy metals.
  • Useful spice for joints: linoleic acid in its composition helps fight arthritis and rheumatism.
  • Improves digestion. Essential oils help secrete gastric juices and enzymes.
  • Green cilantro neutralizes bloating and gas formation in the intestines.
  • Stimulates the work of the pancreas.
  • Antibacterial properties of cilantro - the key to success in the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with infection harmful microorganisms such as salmonellosis.

Important!
The magazine "Polzateevo" clarifies: do not cancel the drugs prescribed to you, just include coriander in your diet with the permission of your doctor.

  • The benefit for women is the normalization of the menstrual cycle. The spice softens the premenstrual symptom and relieves pain during menstruation. Effective in menopause.
  • For men, coriander is very valuable because it is a natural male aphrodisiac. Its properties to enhance sexual desire are used in perfumery.
  • Coriander strengthens the gums and, in general, has a positive effect on the condition of the oral cavity. The disease of the 21st century is caries. It occurs in almost all people with a European-style diet. Coriander spice helps prevent tooth decay or slow down the development of caries. Useful seasoning for stomatitis.
  • There is a beneficial effect on the condition of the eye muscles and nerves. Vitamins A and E prevent various eye diseases, slow down their aging. In folk medicine, the properties of coriander are used to treat conjunctivitis.
  • Is an antidepressant.
  • Skin benefits of coriander: its antiseptic properties help fight acne, acne, eczema. The plant can cure fungal skin diseases in the early stages.
  • Combats flaking and dry skin.
  • The seeds have a healing effect. For cuts and scrapes, coriander powder will help prevent infections from entering the wound.
  • Inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder and bladder can be cured with coriander as part of complex therapy.
  • If you suffer from puffiness in the morning, coriander will help again, or rather, a decoction of cilantro greens. Bags under the eyes and general skin fatigue can also be eliminated with the help of a plant.
  • The spice whitens age spots.
  • The use of coriander on the scalp strengthens the hair follicles, and therefore stops hair loss. Eliminates fat. Eliminates dandruff. The spice is suitable for all types of hair, so you can provide complete care for both oily and fine dry hair.

Application

Coriander in cooking is a seasoning for meat and fish dishes, potatoes, cereals. Used in canning. Combines with different products, it is appropriate in dishes such as soups and salads. Add spice to baked goods, for example, black bread, along with cumin seeds. They flavor alcoholic products - liqueurs.

Linalool and geraniol are extracted from the seeds of the plant. They are used in the pharmaceutical industry to create drugs that help with peptic ulcer stomach, gastritis and duodenal ulcer. In folk medicine, both a decoction of fresh herbs and dried crushed fruits are used for treatment. Interestingly, the ancient shamans used the plant in magical rituals.

Harm

Such a useful spice can bring not only benefits, but also harm. The product may cause individual intolerance. The spice has a dosage, the excess of which negatively affects the body.

Advice!
Use no more than 4 g (1 teaspoon) of plant seeds per day, greens - 35 g.

Side effect of cilantro:

  • sleep disturbance, insomnia;
  • failure of the menstrual cycle in women;
  • memory impairment.

Children should be given spice with extreme caution, as it can cause stuttering. Coriander is not welcome during pregnancy. It can be eaten with caution in small quantities and only as a condiment. In case of diabetes, the inclusion of coriander in the diet is agreed with the doctor, since glucose is present in its composition.

Contraindications for use:

  • stomach ulcer,
  • cholecystitis,
  • gastritis,
  • thrombophlebitis,
  • coronary heart disease,
  • heart attack,
  • high blood pressure.

Healing recipes

With a cold

You will need:

  • cilantro seeds - 4 tablespoons;
  • ginger root - 4 small pieces;
  • 4 glasses of water.

Coriander is lightly fried, mixed with ginger and boiled in water. When the plants are reduced by half, filter the broth and drink in small portions until the condition improves.

With flatulence

Ingredients:

  • coriander - 2 parts,
  • anise - 1 part,
  • - 1 part.

For 2 tsp spice mixture - 100 ml of boiling water. Pour in seasonings. Insist 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

In depressive states

  • 100 g seeds
  • 1 liter of red wine.

Leave the mixture for a week. Strain before use. Drink 0.5 cup 2 times a day.

With inflammation of the gallbladder

You will need:

  • coriander seeds - 1 g,
  • watch leaves - 3 g,
  • cumin flowers - 4 g.

Boil the mixture for 10 minutes. Strain, take warm 20 minutes before meals for half a cup.

Tea against puffiness

Take:

  • fresh cilantro leaves,
  • water.

Raw materials and water are taken in a ratio of 1:4. Pour boiling water over the leaves, wait 5 minutes and drink.

For beauty

Lotion for problem skin

The tool tones and fights inflammation. For 1 tbsp. cilantro leaves - 1 cup boiling water. Boil 20 minutes. Wipe the skin twice - in the morning and in the evening.



Home peeling

  • cilantro seeds,
  • aloe,
  • cumin,
  • comfrey,
  • elderberry flowers,
  • licorice,
  • lemon peel,
  • sandalwood,
  • vetiver,
  • mineral water,
  • lemon juice - for oily skin,
  • milk - for dry skin,
  • cosmetic clay.

Mix seeds and herbs in equal proportions. Add cosmetic clay. For the peeling procedure, dilute the mixture mineral water in a ratio of 3:1. For oily skin add a little lemon juice, for dry skin add a little milk. For normal skin, the basic ingredients are enough. When the herbs swell, massage the mixture into the skin for several minutes and rinse with warm water.

In cooking

Mediterranean dish - pickled olives

Ingredients:

  • green - 200 g,
  • coriander seeds - 10 pcs.,
  • lemon juice - 1 tbsp,
  • cold-pressed olive oil - 1 tbsp,
  • ground black pepper, garlic - to taste.

Cooking:

  1. Grind coriander seeds.
  2. Mix spices with olives.
  3. Mix oil with lemon juice and black pepper. It tastes better if it's freshly ground.
  4. We mix all products.
  5. Add a grated garlic clove and leave to marinate for 2 days.

Bon appetit, do not get sick, and let coriander bring you and your loved ones only benefit!

- one of the most common spices in the world. Seeds, roots, and coriander greens, also known as cilantro, are used in cooking. This spicy plant has been known since ancient times and has been grown in Asia and the Mediterranean for about three thousand years.

Scientists believe that the name of the plant comes from the Greek koriannon, derived from koris - "bug", and is associated with a specific smell and type of seeds (in Russia, by the way, coriander was also sometimes called "bugs"). Despite such a not too flattering comparison, coriander can be considered almost the most versatile seasoning in the world.

Useful properties of coriander

It contains organic acids, trace elements and many vitamins (A, PP, B1, B2, C), it contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, iodine. It is essential that these beneficial substances in the composition of coriander are balanced so that they are perfectly absorbed in the human body.

The benefits of coriander known to many nations, and its use in folk medicine is very wide. Green coriander (cilantro) tones the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Coriander seeds stimulate the digestive system, increasing appetite and helping to better absorb food, have diaphoretic properties, and promote weight loss. The essential oils of its seeds have a strong bactericidal and antihelminthic effect. Coriander enhances the work of the liver with lethargy and congestion in it, and improves appetite.

Coriander tincture helps treat bleeding gums and stomatitis. Coriander is useful for diarrhea, menstrual disorders, it normalizes blood sugar levels, and also strengthens the eye muscles, improving vision.

In the old days, coriander was often used for skin lesions and diseases. A compress of crushed cilantro leaves applied to a wound speeds up its healing. The antibacterial action of the juice is combined with an increase in the regeneration process, so cilantro is an excellent remedy for skin diseases.

Infusions and decoctions of coriander seeds are taken as a choleretic and antiseptic agent, for gastric and colds, as a sedative and relieves convulsions, they increase the secretion of gastric juice. Among the beneficial properties of coriander is a mild diuretic effect, which allows it to be used to treat edema.

Coriander Seed Infusion

To prepare an infusion of coriander, pour 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds with 1 cup of boiling water, insist in a warm place in a sealed container for 1 hour, strain. Take 0.25 cup 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Essential oils of coriander

Essential oils of coriander have long been used to treat eye diseases. In the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, the eyes were washed with a decoction in which coriander was an important component.

Contraindications to the use of coriander

Coriander is contraindicated during pregnancy. It should not be taken by patients with gastric ulcer and exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis. Such people should refrain from using spices, and coriander is no exception.

Coriander, like any other product containing large doses of vitamins and trace elements, requires compliance with the norm. Excess of this plant in the diet leads to poisoning.

In all other cases, if coriander is consumed in moderation, used as a seasoning, then there are no contraindications for use.

coriander seeds

coriander seeds flavor liqueurs, and in dried and crushed form they are added to confectionery and pastries, soups, sausages (for example, Thuringian), cheeses, salads, meat and fish dishes. Ground coriander tends to lose flavor and aroma quickly, so it's best to buy whole coriander seeds. Before grinding, it is better to lightly fry them in a dry frying pan - so the seeds will become more fragrant.

coriander leaves

cilantro, that is, green young coriander leaves, are used in most countries of the East (especially in Vietnam, Thailand, and the countries of the Caucasus). Coriander greens taste and aroma are very different from seeds. It is indispensable in salads, it is added to soups, meat and vegetable dishes and never subjected to heat treatment. Also, coriander leaves are very widely used in Latin America, especially in Mexico: there they are called cilantro. That is why in many US states, coriander greens are even called "Mexican parsley."

Coriander in cooking

coriander roots successfully used in cooking - they have a more muted taste than the leaves. If coriander roots are dried and ground, you will get an excellent seasoning. In Thai cuisine, coriander root is used to make a sauce for meat dishes: coriander root is crushed with garlic, peanut butter and pepper are added.