Common Name: |
Chinese Parsley |
Other Names: |
Coriander, Cilantro |
Botanical Name: |
Coriandrum sativum |
Genus: |
Coriandrum |
Family: |
Apiaceae |
Native Location: |
Balkan States, Morocco, Rumania, Russia, United States, E. Mediterranean, naturalized in N America |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained fertile soil in sun. Plants grown for leaves may be more productive in partial shade. Coriander tends to bolt if too dry or overcrowded at the seedling stage. Recommended in companion planting to improve germination in anise, and to repel aphids and carrot rust fly. An infusion may help reduce spider mint infestations. Coriander is thought to reduce seed yield in fennel if planted nearby. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in situ in spring. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are gathered when young and used fresh. Seeds are harvested when ripe and are used whole or ground for culinary purposes. Medicinal preparations usually call for powdered seeds, liquid extracts or distilled oil. |
Variations: |
Leisure Has lush, rich green leaves and is bolt resistant, standing well even in hot conditions. Height: 60cm (2ft)
Moroccan Is excellent for seed production, being quick to bolt, with minimal leaf production.
Santo Is fast-growing but extremely slow to bold; good for leaf production in spring and summer. Height: 38cm (15in) |
Height: |
15-70cm (6-28in) |
Width: |
10-30cm (4-12in) |
Hardiness: |
Hardy |
Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Parts Used: |
Roots, leaves, seeds, oil, fruit |
Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is colorless and has a sweet, spicy-woody aroma. |
Background: |
Known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who calle it "Koris" (which means "Bug"), and the fresh leaves smell of a squashed bug when crushed. Both the plant and the essential oil improve in odor when allowed to age. Coriander is also used in Indian curries. |
Properties: |
Stimulant, carminative, stomachic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, tonic. Both leaves and seeds are rich in volatile oils that act mainly on the digestive system, stimulating the appetite, and relieving irritation. They are also expectorant. Oil is fungicidal and bactericidal. |
Planet: |
Mars |
Element: |
Fire |
Magickal Influences: |
Memory, Love, Healing |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for minor digestive problems. Externally for hemorrhoids and painful joints (seeds). Seeds reduce griping in laxative preparations based on Rheum officinale and Senna alexandria (See, Alexandrian senna). To treat digestive complaints, headaches, halitosis, and postpartum complications. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of coriander to treat loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints, such as heartburn and bloating. |
Typical Dose: |
A typical daily dose of coriander is 3.0 gm of the crushed and powdered herb in divided doses. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Coriander's side effects include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and allergic reactions such as hay fever, dermatitis, or allergic asthma. |
Drug Interactions: |
Taking coriander with these drugs may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight: |
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex) |
Celecoxib, (Celebrex) |
Ciprofloxacin, (Ciloxan, Cipro) |
Doxycycline, (Apo-Doxy, Vibramycin) |
Enalapril, (Vasotec) |
Etodolac, (Lodine, Utradol) |
Fluphenazine, (Modecate, Prolixin) |
Fosinopril, (Monopril) |
Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) |
Gatifloxacin, (Tequin, Zymar) |
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) |
Ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin) |
Indomethacin, (Indocin, Novo-Methacin) |
Ketoprofen, (Orudis, Rhodis) |
Ketorolac, (Acular, Toradol) |
Lansoprazole, (Prevacid) |
Levofloxacin, (Levaquin, Quixin) |
Lisinopril, (Prinivil, Zestril) |
Loratadine, (Alavert, Claritin) |
Methotrexate, (Rheumatrex, Trexall) |
Naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn) |
Nortriptyline, (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor) |
Ofloxacin, (Floxin, Ocuflox) |
Omeprazole, (Losec, Prilosec) |
Phenytoin, (Dilantin, Phenytek) |
Piroxicam, (Feldene, Nu-Pirox) |
Prochlorperazine, (Compazine, Compro) |
Quinapril, (Accupril) |
Risperidone, (Risperdal) |
Rofecoxib, (Vioxx) |
Tetracycline, (Novo-Tetra, Sumycin) |
Taking coriander with these drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): |
Acarbose, (Prandase, Precose) |
Acetohexamide, (Acetohexamide) |
Chlorpropamide, (Diabinese, Novo-Propamide) |
Gliclazide, (Diamicron, Novo-Gliclazide) |
Glimepiride, (Amaryl) |
Glipizide, (Glucotrol) |
Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip) |
Gliquidone, (Beglynor, Glurenorm) |
Glyburide, (DiaBeta, Micronase) |
Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance) |
Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet) |
Miglitol, (Glyset) |
Nateglinide, (Starlix) |
Pioglitizone, (Actos) |
Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin) |
Rosiglitazone, (Avandia) |
Rosiglitazone and Metformin, (Avandamet) |
Tolazamide, (Tolinase) |
Tolbutamide, (Apo-Tolbutamide, Tol-Tab) |
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Uses: |
- Digestive SystemGood for chronic digestive disturbances and a lack of vitality. Stimulates appetite and can be useful for anorexia.
- Muscular SystemUseful for muscular aches and tiredness.
- EmotionsCoriander's warm, provocative scent gently encourages the tired mind into action. Good for mental fatigue and can help with memory.
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Culinary Uses: |
Roots are used in Thai cuisine. Leaves and leafstalks are used to flavor soups, salads, beans, and curries, especially in the Middle East, and SE Asia. Dried stems are used for smoking foods. Seeds are an ingredient of curries, curry powder, pickles, pickling spices, dishes à la grecque, baked foods, sausages, and sauces. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil flavors gin, vermouth, liqueurs, and tobacco, and is prized in perfumery. |
Blends: |
DIGESTIVE |
MUSCULAR |
EMOTION |
Coriander 7 |
Coriander 7 |
Coriander 7 |
Lavender 3 |
Rosemary 4 |
Palmarosa 3 |
Ginger 3 |
Black Pepper 2 |
Bergamot 3 |
Bibliography: |
Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 94-95 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1988 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. pp79 The Encyclopedia or Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 pg. 180 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.164-165 |
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