Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
For thousands of years, both the leaves and seeds of this fragrant herb have been used for medicinal purposes. For instance, as far back as the tenth century B.C., the Egyptians were including coriander seeds in burial offerings. The ancient Greeks believed the seeds to be an aphrodisiac and thought adding them to white wine increased a man’s sperm count. In ancient China, coriander was thought to dramatic res stimulating appetite and improving digestion- remedies still relied upon today. Today, in addition to its health benefits, coriander is a popular cooking herb. Often added to Indian curry spices, the seeds add a warm, sweet flavor to dishes. Mostly used in Asian and southwestern cooking, the fresh leaves-known as cilantro lend a pungent, citrusy taste
CORIANDER FOR BAD BREATH
Chewing coriander seeds to cure bad breath is a remedy that dates back to biblical Palestine. Today, coriander seeds are often an ingredient in many breath fresheners because their essential oils help to kill breath odors. You can also simply chew a few seeds for a minute or so and then spit them out. If you gather seeds from plants in your garden, be sure to use only those that are mature- those that are tan or brown and have a sweet fragrance similar to lily of the valley’s. In contrast, unripe coriander seeds are green.
Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
Therapeutic Effect: The essential oil in coriander seeds has many capabilities: It relieves spasms, promotes digestion and alleviates flatulence. Because the seeds also contribute energy on a psychic level, they can help migraines—but not common headaches. In addition, coriander is said to increase the ability 1o express emotions and thoughts. An old folk remedy for wounds is to apply fresh cilantro leaves to the affected area.
🙤 Components
The seeds contain an essential oil comprised of 60 percent to 70 percent linalool, as well as geraniol, geranyl acetate, orneol, decylaldehyde and phellandrene. They also contain tannins, vitamin C, protein, fatty acids, gamma-sitosterine, umbelliferone and limonene. Potassium and a little vitamin C are found in the leaves.
🙤 Coriander tea for flatulence
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed coriander seeds; steep for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup when needed to dispel gas.
Extra Tip
To relieve migraine headaches, drink lightly sweetened coriander tea twice a day: To make the tea, bring 2 cups of water and ‘/, tbsp. of crushed coriander seeds to a boil, then simmer the mixture for 10 min. Strain and sweeten with honey.
✽ Cilantro Spread ✽
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt ‘
Pinch of chili powder “,
Salt and freshly ground pepper
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the cilantro, yogurt and chili powder.
- Season the yogurt mixture with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
- Use as a topping for fish, as a dip for fresh vegetable or as a spread for bread.
✽ A Digestive Aid ✽
♦ Mix ‘1 tsp. coriander with 1 tsp. of any of the following: angelica, anise, chamomile, fennel, ginger or rosemary. Add 1 tsp. of marjoram ‘or peppermint. Steep the herbal mixture overnight in the refrigerator in a combination of 1 cup water and a shot of vodka.
✽ A Love Potion ✽
Kitchen Hint
♦ Buy whole coriander seeds, because once coriander is ground, most of the essential oil dissipates immediately. Crush the seed’s yourself with a mortar and pestle just before using.
♦ Toast coriander seeds in an ungreased skillet on the stove top before you crush them to intensify their flavor. Or put them in a toaster oven on medium heat for a few minutes. Watch the seeds closely so they don’t burn.
♦ Use coriander seeds to season . soups; eggs; marinades for & poultry, beef and fish; salad dressings; potatoes; beets; ‘ and onions. Coriander seeds – 8 are also often added to i liqueurs and to chocolate. :
♦ Add coriander seeds when baking bread and rolls to give them a spicy taste and aroma.
♦ Try fresh cilantro with all types of beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, fish salads and guacamole.
♦ Store fresh cilantro as you would parsley. Sprinkle it with cold water, wrap it in a paper towel, place inside a plastic bag and refrigerate. Or refrigerate the herbs with the stems in water.
Extra Tip
To relieve migraine headaches, drink lightly sweetened coriander tea twice a day: To make the tea, bring 2 cups of water and ‘/, tbsp. of crushed coriander seeds to a boil, then simmer the mixture for 10 min. Strain and sweeten with honey.