Coriander is an oriental spice, the seeds from which the herb cilantro grows. But, if cilantro is already quite popular among Russians and is in demand, coriander has not yet become particularly in demand among domestic chefs. Meanwhile, it is not only a fragrant and healthy seasoning, but also the basis of many medicines.
Description of coriander
Coriander belongs to the umbelliferae family, it is an annual herb, the seeds and leaves of which are one of the most popular spices in Asian cuisine, it is also called Chinese parsley. This herb-honey plant has been used in cooking for more than 5 thousand years, it was known in ancient Egypt. Interestingly, in different countries, culinary experts may give preference somewhere to seeds, and somewhere coriander leaves. Dried and lightly ground seeds are especially popular in India, the Mediterranean countries, China, and Uzbekistan.
But, in addition to cooking, coriander is used in perfumery, and in soap making, and in medicine. Hippocrates mentions its medicinal properties and notes that its use in the treatment of so many diseases can command respect. Coriander seeds contain up to 1.4% essential oils, vitamins: A, B1, B2, C and PP, as well as salts of iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. They contain fatty oils, tanning and nitrogenous compounds, starch and sucrose.
Coriander preparations and its seeds are contraindicated in pregnancy. It cannot often be eaten by those who suffer from increased blood clotting, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, and blood pressure disorders.
Useful properties of coriander
Essential oil of coriander contains substances that improve digestion, such as linalool and geraniol. They are the basis of medicines used to treat ulcers, gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Extracts are made from coriander seeds, which are used in pharmacology for the preparation of antiseptic, choleretic and analgesic drugs.
Decoctions of crushed seeds are used as an expectorant for bronchitis and pneumonia, to relieve edema and lower blood cholesterol levels. They are used as rinses for the treatment and healing of wounds in the mouth, they are drunk for diarrhea, anemia, for disorders of the menstrual cycle, they treat worms with coriander broths.
To prepare the broth, pour 100 g of coriander seeds with 500 g of water, boil and let it brew for 20-30 minutes. The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
To get rid of nervous disorders and depression, coriander seeds are infused with red wine, and then filtered and drunk 100 g three times a day. This remedy can also be used to treat anemia, since coriander seeds contain a lot of iron, which is released into wine when steeped.
Vitamins A and C, which are rich in coriander, are antioxidants, together with phosphorus, they slow down the aging process, preventing macular degradation of those age-related changes that the visual apparatus is subject to.
