Coriander

Coriander is an herb that is native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean regions. It is widely used while making meals as well as for medicinal purposes. The herb coriander does well in arid regions .The different parts of the coriander plant can be used for different purposes. For instance, some regions may sprinkle the leaves of the plant over food as a garnish, while some countries may use the root of the plant as a vegetable. The herb coriander grows to about 50 centimeters tall and one can go about planting coriander seeds either in a herb garden or even in a pot. The area should receive full sunlight and the soil the seeds are planted in should be kept moist all the time.

As mentioned above, there are many coriander health benefits. Read on for more nutritional information and properties of the herb coriander. 100 grams of coriander contains the following nutrients:

Protein - 2.13 g
Carbohydrate - 3.67 gm
Fats - 0.52 gm
Fiber - 2.8 gm
Vitamin A - 6748 IU
Vitamin B6 - 0.149 mg
Vitamin C - 27 mg
Vitamin E - 2.5 mg
Vitamin K - 310 mg
Water - 92.21 gm

Let us now look at the coriander health benefits, coriander seeds benefits as well as coriander medicinal uses.

Coriander helps to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol levels as it is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
The herb coriander is one of the richest sources of Vitamin K. This vitamin helps in building bone mass.
The seeds are a good source of minerals such as zinc (helps with digestion), copper (needed to produce red blood cells), potassium (helps to control one’s blood pressure and heart rate) and so.
Mixing one or two teaspoons of coriander juice with buttermilk helps to deal with digestive disorders such as indigestion, colitis, nausea and dysentery.
Coriander also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help with arthritis symptoms.
Research has shown that coriander helps to ease the mood swings that accompany menstruation.
Coriander seeds can be used externally as either a lotion or a poultice. This is usually done to treat rheumatic pains.
Coriander medicinal uses also include it being used to treat pimples, dry skin and blackheads. A mixture is made out of coriander juice and turmeric powder and then applied to the face at night.
Coriander essential oil is helpful for treating migraines, mental fatigue, tension and so on. It is useful for uplifting and refreshing one’s mood.
This oil may also help with treating anorexia, flu, gout, measles and other diseases.
Coriander is also useful in treating conjunctivitis. This is done by making an eye wash out of freshly dried coriander.
Coriander also contains Dodecenal, a chemical which can help fight against bacterial infection from Salmonella.
Coriander also helps to lower blood sugar and helps with insulin secretion as well.
It is also believed that coriander helps in the discharge of urine.
The herb coriander also helps to remove phlegm from the body.
Consuming coriander seeds help to alleviate menstrual problems like excessive flow.
The coriander plant leaves have carminative and antiseptic properties as well.
Coriander is also believed to give a cooling effect and reduce fever as well.

Keep these side effects in mind while using coriander. People who suffer with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma should use dry coriander sparingly. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive you should be wary of using coriander in any form. The seeds can have a narcotic effect if used too freely.