Cilantro (domestic), c/s

Cilantro (domestic), c/s (1196)

Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum - Umbelliferae Family

AKA: 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

Parts Used: Oil, seeds and leaves

Active Compounds: 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.

Background: Cilantro seed (known as Coriander) has been found in the burial sites of ancient Egyptians and Chinese, who associated it with powers of immortality. It is found in many Peruvian dishes, and is still used as a bitter herb in Passover, a tradition passed down from the ancient Hebrews. Hippocrates, among other ancient physicians concocted medicines with Cilantro. The Romans included it in vinegars used to preserve meat. Pliny named it after a bedbug that emits an aroma similar to the herb. 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. Today it is primarily used as a flavoring in liquors and foul-tasting medicines.

Applications: Carminative/Stimulant/Aromatic

Carminative: Used for treatment of windy colic, a condition in horses and livestock. Chewing the seeds or drinking infusions made from seeds may sooth stomach disorders and aid digestion. This application is also credited with freshening breath.

Stimulant: Cilantro promotes gastric secretions and stimulates appetite.

Aromatic: Cilantro can be added to perfumes as a fragrance, and medicines to improve flavor.

Other Cilantro uses: Genital deodorant, bladder disorders, coughs, headaches, diuretic, tonic, relief of rash and rheumatism.

Description:
A shiny, smooth green annual, Cilantro has slender, grooved stems with compound pinnate lower leaves and finely segmented upper leaves. Small white to red flowers grow in umbels from spring through late summer. Round, light brown seeds have ridges and are ¼ inch in length. Cut and hang the entire plant to dry as soon as the leaves turn brown, taking care to retain the seeds . The flavor and aroma of the seed improves with age. Harvest the leaves when immature for optimum flavor, as the dried leaves do not store well.

Cilantro Dosage:
Infusion: Combine 2 teaspoons of dried Cilantro seed in one cup of water and soak. Drink 1 cup per day.

Powder: Ingest ¼ to ½ teaspoon per dose.

Mixture: (for removing genital odors and halitosis) Boil 2 quarts of water and add 3½ teaspoons of dry Cilantro seed, reducing heat to simmer for 1½ 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 ½ 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.

Safety:
May sensitize nerves where tissue is damaged.

More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information:

Chives
Cinnamon
Chia seed
Cloves
Cayenne
Club moss

For educational purposes only
This Cilantro information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.