Sometimes referred to as cilantro in America and dhaniya in the Indian subcontinent, coriander is used extensively around the world as an herb that can function in fine dining dishes, as a decoration or garnish, or be used as a condiment. Its fruits and leaves have a pleasant aroma that is highly recognizable. These leaves are commonly used, either dried or raw, in culinary applications. The essential oils derived from the plant have their own benefits and uses. Read on to find out more about coriander essential oils.
Origins of Coriander
Native to regions spanning from northern Africa and southern Europe to southwestern Asia, coriander can grow to be approximately 20 inches (50 cm) tall. It is a soft plant whose leaves vary in shape. They are lobed broadly at the base of the plant, feathery and slender higher on the flowering stems.
Historically, it has ties to the Spanish conquistadors, the Renaissance, and the ancient Greeks. Though used for spicy cooking in the South, it has also been utilized as an aphrodisiac and in love potions.
Popular Uses of Coriander
Coriander is useful for blood sugar disorders, skin disorders, conjunctivitis, smallpox, menstrual disorders, and can benefit eye care. The exotic aroma of coriander essential oils can boost your spirits, help fight depression, and makes them ideal for use in deodorants. Occasionally they are used to cure digestive upset or to stimulate the appetite.
Coriander can be used to protect the liver and act as an inspector. It may be helpful against spasms and is sometimes used to cure ulcers. It is hypnotic, antihistaminic, anticonvulsant, and anti-carcinogenic in nature. Because of its quality as a natural aphrodisiac, it can be used in combinations with other herbs and essential oils or by itself to enhance the libido of an individual.
Health Benefits of Coriander
In general, the health benefits of coriander include treatment of indigestion, anemia, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, high cholesterol levels, and skin inflammation. Specifically, the use of coriander essential oils has the following health benefits:
- Heal ulcers
- Eliminate bad breath
- Reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Reduce hay fever and seasonal allergies
- Give relief from anemia
- Regulate menstrual cycles
- Clear eczema and other skin disorders
- Reduce skin inflammation
- Prevent macular degeneration and conjunctivitis
- Treat smallpox and salmonella-based illness
- Prevent stomach disorders, vomiting, and nausea
- Promote healthy bones
- Beneficial for diabetics
A Look at Coriander Essential Oils
This essential oil is lesser known for its culinary or medicinal qualities and better known its aroma. Coriander essential oils are extracted using a steam distillation method from the seeds of the plant whose botanical name is Coriandrum Sativum.
If more people were introduced to the health benefits of coriander, they may be less likely to throw it away after a meal, considering it nothing more than a garnish. Coriander contains no less than six types of acids and 11 components of essential oils. This includes vitamin C and ascorbic acid. Minerals contained within coriander include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Aside from vitamin C, you can also find vitamin K, B, and A in coriander
At Plant Guru, we carry not only coriander essential oils but “Love Potion”, which contains coriander and comes in a roll-on bottle or as an essential oil blend in a standard essential oils bottle. Shop Plant Guru today to discover better living through essential oils.