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How does it feel?
Coriander is native to the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated globally for the culinary market. It is an annual plant with tall stems, standing up to 3 feet high. The leaves are small and divided up the length of the stem and the flowers are a pale mauve colour appearing in umbels at the top of the plant. The fruit is a globe shape and contains clusters of seeds. All parts of the plant can be used in both a medicinal and culinary purpose, however, it is the seeds that are predominantly used in a medicinal capacity.
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What can I use it for?
Coriander contains a high level of natural essential oils which stimulate the digestion and support digestive metabolism. It encourages the production of digestive enzymes and supports a sluggish or slow digestion. It can be classified as an aromatic carminative.
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Into the heart of Coriander
Coriander is an aromatic carminative, supporting and stimulating digestive processes and metabolism. Despite this herb being stimulating, it also has a cooling and moistening nature. Coriander will cool any excess heat throughout the body, but particularly where there is hot irritation in the digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts. The cooling and clearing properties of coriander also make it effective for encouraging expectoration and sweating in the form of a diaphoretic.
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Traditional actions
AlterativesAlteratives are herbs that ‘alter’ the condition in a tissue by eliminating metabolic waste via the liver, large intestine, lungs, lymphatic system, skin and kidneys. Examples include Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Poke (Phytolacca decandra) and Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica).
CarminativesCarminative herbs are high in essential oils and help ease digestion by relieving gas, spasms and cramps. Examples include Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) and Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita).
DiaphoreticsDiaphoretics are herbs that cause sweating by increasing circulation in the periphery of the body. Usually used to help to relieve fevers, some examples are Yarrow aerial parts (Achillea millefolium), Elder flowers (Sambucus niger), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis).
DiureticsDiuretics are herbs that stimulate the flow of urine, and help remove fluids from the body. Common examples are Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinalis), Burdock root (Arctium lappa) and Corn silk (Zea mays).
ExpectorantsExpectorants are herbs that assist the body in expelling mucus from the upper respiratory tract. Examples include Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane root (Inula helenium) and Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris).
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Did you know?
Coriander is a member of the Umbelliferae family, which also includes fennel and cumin. The seeds of the coriander plant were renowned for having an unpleasant smell, and the English name for the plant was derived from the latin ‘koros’ meaning ‘bug’. Interestingly, the initial unpleasant smell of the seeds dissipates over time to become the characteristic fragrant aromatic scent associated with the plant.
Additional information
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Safety
No drug herb interactions are known.
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Dosage
1–30g/day or 3–15ml/day of a 1:3 45% tincture
