Cilantro

Alternative names: Chinese Parsley, Coriander, Coriander cultive, Kottambari-beeja, Kusbara, Hu Sui, Dhanyaka, Dhana, Gemeiner coriander, Dhane, Dhano, Haveeja, Kishniz, Dhanyak, Dhania, Koriyun, Kothimbir, Nau-nau Kotimiri, Kustumbari, Kothamalli, Kushniz Kottampalari, Kottmir, Kothmir.

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; Why it is Recommended

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 scopoletin 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.

Instructions

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 pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine – or if you are breast feeding or have stomach problems.