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Alternative Names: Chinese Parsley, Coriander, Coriander cultive, Kotambri-beeja, Kusbara, Hu Sui, Dhanyaka, Dhana, Gemeiner coriander, Dhane, Dhano, Haveeja, Kishniz, Dhanyak, Dhania, Koriyun, Kothimbir, Nau-nau Kotimiri, Kustumbari, Kottamalli, Kushniz Kottampalari, Kottumbari, Kottmir.
Cilantro -- the leaves of the Coriander plant -- have medicinal value that rivals its value as a spice. Cilantro has been used since the beginning of recorded history as a digestive aid, especially in the relief of indigestion. Recent studies suggest that Cilantro may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Although it has two names, Cilantro is a single plant; its leaves are known as Cilantro; the seeds are called Coriander, and both include many of the same medicinal benefits: They ease indigestion and prevent wound infection. Cilantro has a long history as a digestive aid. In Egypt, it has been found in pharaohs' tombs, presumably to prevent indigestion in the afterlife.
History
Cilantro seed (known as Coriander) has been found in the burial sites of ancient Egyptians and Chinese, who associated it with powers of immortality. Hippocrates, among other ancient physicians concocted medicines with Cilantro. There are references from 16th century literature of using Cilantro seed in bread for treatment of Saint Anthony's Fire, or impetigo. Coriander gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac in the tale The Thousand and One Arabian Nights.
Function; Reasons For Use
The oil, seeds and leaves are used. The volatile oil contains borneol, coriandrol, camphor, p-cymene, geraniol, limonene, and alpha-pinenes; trans-tridec-2-enale is responsible for the distinctive aroma. The main fixed oils are linolenic acid, petroselic acid, and oleic acid. Other components include the hydroxycoumarins scopoletine and umbelliferone.
Recent studies have supported its use as a stomach soother for both adults and colicky babies.
Cilantro also has wound-healing benefits, which were first discovered by the ancient Romans, who used both the leaves and seeds to preserve meats. The herb contains an antioxidant that helps prevent animal fats from turning rancid. It also contains substances that kill meat-spoiling bacteria and fungi. These same substances in Cilantro may also prevent infection in wounds.
The herb has been shown to improve stomach problems of all kinds, from indigestion to flatulence to diarrhea. Drink a cup of the tea when stomach discomfort strikes. Chewing the seeds or drinking infusions made from seeds may sooth stomach disorders and aid digestion. This application is also credited with freshening breath.
Intriguing new studies suggest that Cilantro has anti-inflammatory effects. Since the pain of arthritis is caused by inflammation, a cup of Cilantro tea may help that pain as well.
Cilantro promotes gastric secretions and stimulates appetite.
Cilantro has also been used as a genital deodorant, for bladder disorders, coughs, headaches, diuretic, tonic, relief of rash and rheumatism.
Directions
Infusion: Combine 2 teaspoons of dried Cilantro seed in one cup of water and soak. Drink 1 cup per day.
Powder: Ingest 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per dose.
Capsules: Take two (2) 600mg capsules, 2-3 times each day with water at mealtimes.
Mixture (for removing genital odors and halitosis): Boil 2 quarts of water and add 3 1/2 teaspoons of dry Cilantro seed, reducing heat to simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until volume is reduced by half. Add 2 teaspoons orange zest and one pitted date, finely diced. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of both dried Cilantro and fresh parsley, finely chopped. A few drops of mint may be added. For gargle, use 1/2 cup of cooled mixture. Filter, seal and refrigerate. Use the warm concoction for removing odors from genitalia. May also be helpful to soak cotton and apply to toothache.
Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Cilantro Leaf may increase your chance of miscarriage if you are pregnant, or it may cause problems getting pregnant. Before using Cilantro, tell your doctor if you are are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine - or if you are breast feeding or have stomach problems.
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Cilantro can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Aphrodisiac
Substance increasing or arousing sexual desire.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Boil (Abscess, Abscesses, Boils, Carbuncle, Carbuncles, Furuncle, Furuncles, Cystic Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pilonidal Cyst, Pilonidal Cysts)
A localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection (pus). Finally, the pus forms a "head" and drains out through the skin. A furuncle or carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. Cystic acne is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. A pilonidal cyst is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Flatulence
Abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Gastric
Of, relating to, or associated with the stomach.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Miscarriage (Miscarriages, Spontaneous Abortion)
The expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive outside of the womb.
Rheumatism (Rheumatoid)
General term applied to conditions of pain, or inability to articulate, various elements of the musculoskeletal system.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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