Coriander
Botanical Description & Habitat
Coriandrum sativum
Family
Apiaceae
Habitat
Cultivated in many countries around the world; native to the south east of Europe.
Medicinal Parts
The ripe fruit (seeds)
Historical Properties & Uses
Coriander seed has been around for thousands of years, but now people are aware of its medicinal value. It is one of the primary ingredients in some curries (but not all).
Herbally speaking, it is an antispasmodic, appetizer, aromatic, carminative and stomachic, with emphasis on the last two.
Coriander seeds are applied externally for rheumatism and painful joints. It is recommended in the treatment of dyspepsia, flatulence and gastritis. Coriander is almost always used as part of a formula, rather than by itself. It is ideal for this purpose, because it strong taste can mask those even less pleasant than it is. Coriander seed is often combined with fennel seed, anise and caraway seed.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E for loss of appetite (see appetite disorders) and dyspepsia.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Coriander seed contains a mixture of antibacterial essential oils, consisting mainly of a linalol called coriandrol, geraniol, borneol, and terpenes. This oil is responsible for the herbs ability to stimulate the flow of stomach acids, its carminative action and its mild antispasmodic action.
The external application of coriander to treat arthritis and rheumatism has received some support.
One recent finding is the presence of acetylcholine in coriander. Given the current interest in the biological activity of dietary choline, some important questions can be asked about the possible role the curry herbs might play in increasing the bioavailability of choline. It might also be asked what role ACh in spices plays in gastric motility, gastric secretions, nutrition and pathology.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
The oxytocic-like action of coriander may produce neonatal jaundice which would interfere with serum bilirubin test results.
Possible Interactions
Allopurinol has been tentatively shown to increase the half life of anticoagulants.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
In normal usage, there is no toxicity.
Coriander seed has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Use one cup daily
Infusion
Steep 2tsp. dried seeds in 1 cup water
Powder
Use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp as desired
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
3 g of the herb.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Abdulin, Kh.Kh. Bactericidal effect of essential oils. Uch. Zap. Kazansk. Vet. Inst., 84, 75-79, 1962.
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Braun, H. & D. Frohne. Heilplanzen-Lexikon Fuer Aerzte und Apotheker. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, 1987.
Haranath, P.S.R.K., M.H. Akther & S.I. Sharif. Acetylcholine and choline in common spices. Phytotherapy Research, 1(2), 91-92, 1987.
Lewis, D.A. Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Plant and Marine Sources, Birkhouse Verlag, Berlin, 1989.
Mascolo, N., G. Autore, F. Capasso, A. Menghini & M P. Fasulo. Biological screening of italian medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytotherapy Research, 1(1), 28-31, 1987.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Schauenberg, P. & F. Paris. Guide to Medicinal Plants, Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut, 1977.
Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield Publishers, LTD, Beaconsfield, England, 1988.
Essential Oil
See Coriander Essence under Aromatherapy
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