Characteristics of Coriander

Coriander, also known as Chinese parsley (Coriandrum Sativum), is an annual herb of the Apiaceae family native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.
It has a spicy and woody aroma and can grow up to one meter. Its soft leaves consist of cleft edges that grow wider at the base of the plant and taper at the highest points of the stems. During its flowering period, in spring, it develops small white flowers that culminate in a spherical schizocarp fruit with a diameter of 5 millimeters. Coriander is drought resistant but its productivity
is favored by the temperate climate.
All parts of the plant are edible, with the leaves and seeds being the main culinary uses. It is also used as a flavoring in winemaking and is a characteristic ingredient in Indian and Arabic cuisine.
It is often a component of herbal remedies to improve digestion and relieve intestinal bloating. Among other things, its benefits include analgesic, antiseptic, lipolytic and digestive properties. In addition, it combats insomnia, headaches and fatigue.

History of Coriander

The oldest find of coriander is in Israel and dates back to approximately 6,000 BC.
In ancient Greece, coriander cultivation began for nutritional purposes, as the seeds were used as a spice and the leaves in fresh salads. It is reported that the ancient Greeks and Romans used coriander seeds to flavor wine.
The ancient Egyptians attributed aphrodisiac properties to coriander. Seeds of the plant were also found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
In India, dried coriander seeds are one of the main ingredients of
traditional cuisine, and daily skin care when used in massage oils.
During the 17th century, Chinese herbalists recommended coriander as a treatment for various digestive ailments.

Ingredients

Coriander essential oil from the various parts of the plant (tender twigs, leaves, flowers and seeds) using the hydrodistillation method.

Chemical composition of coriander essential oil

Linalool up to 80.3%, γ-terpene up to 11.2%, α-pinene up to 10.9%, γ-cymene 8.1%, camphor 5.1%, geranyl acatate 5.4%, benzofuran,2,3-dihydro, dodecanoic acid (5%), dodecanal (4.1%), dodecan-1-ol (3.13%) and other elements.

Instructions for use

- After standing for long hours, you can add a few drops of coriander essential oil to a basin of warm water for a relaxing foot bath that soothes muscle pain.
- Drink to relieve irritable bowel syndrome:
In 100 ml of water, boil a few fennel seeds, cumin seeds, 1 saffron stamen and a little mastic powder (for culinary use). Let the mixture boil for 2-3 minutes and then strain and let it cool for 5 minutes. Finally, add 1 drop of coriander essential oil.
- For a natural treatment for indigestion: add a few drops of coriander and ginger essential oil to natural almond oil and massage the lower abdominal area with circular movements.*
- To treat headaches, add a few drops of coriander, lavender and geranium essential oil to the ceramic burner and enjoy the therapeutic aroma in the atmosphere of your home.
- It combines well with cinnamon, bergamot, neroli, ginger, sandalwood, orange, grapefruit and lemon essential oils.
*The specialized use of coriander essential oil can relieve menstrual pain, cramps, stomach upset and sunburn.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the mixture.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

Coriander in PKI is known as Xiang Cai and restores the meridians of the spleen, large intestine and stomach. Its cooling nature moves the vital force Qi, expels heat from the liver and clears the mind. The specific use of Coriander essential oil can relieve menstrual pain, cramps, stomach upset and sunburn.
In Indian Medicine – Ayurveda, coriander is classified as a tridosha spice, as it eliminates any excess of air, fire and earth (vata, pitta, kapha). It increases the mental quality of pure thinking, sattva, and we will find it in everyday cooking and in intermediate drinks.

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils dissolved in a base oil or other catalyst.