Cilantro or coriander is a spice famous all over the world, representing the ripe fruits of the plant of the same name. The homeland of cilantro is considered to be the eastern Mediterranean.
Coriander contains a huge amount of nutrients, including:
- vitamins C, A, group B;
- glucose;
- sucrose;
- fructose;
- essential oil;
- tannins;
- organic acids and many others.
Coriander fruits have antiseptic, analgesic, bactericidal, antihemorrhoid, antihelminthic, choleretic, sedative, anticonvulsant, diaphoretic and carminative properties. Traditional medicine recommends cilantro as a means of increasing appetite, improving the secretion of the digestive glands, as well as to enhance the function of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce flatulence.
To get rid of bad breath after alcohol intoxication, it is enough to chew a few candied cilantro seeds.
In addition, coriander has a positive effect on the function of the gonads, brain and heart. It is useful for people suffering from depression, insomnia, epilepsy, hysteria and asthma attacks as a spicy food supplement.
With chronic fatigue, colds, stomach diseases, as well as during the recovery period after infectious diseases, it is shown to take infusions and decoctions of coriander fruits.
In order to prepare the infusion, you must take:
- 3 teaspoons of cilantro seeds;
- 1 glass of water.
Pour boiling water over the seeds, cover and leave for 15-20 minutes. Take the resulting infusion in 2 tbsp. spoons half an hour before meals.
Coriander essential oil is a proven folk remedy for toothache and stomatitis. It is also used in skin care: homemade masks with the addition of a few drops of oil increase skin elasticity, improve complexion, and help fade small pimples. In aromatherapy, coriander essential oil is used to relieve nervous tension and improve mood.
The great physician of antiquity, Avicenna, mentioned the numerous healing properties of cilantro in his writings.
Despite the exceptional usefulness of coriander, it should not be overused. Eaten in large quantities, it can provoke menstrual irregularities, exacerbation of diseases of the female genitourinary system, stuttering, artifacts, memory impairment, and sleep disturbances. The optimal dose is considered to be no more than 4 grams of seeds per day.
Fragrant coriander seeds are widely used in cooking. They are added to soups, salads, meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Cilantro goes especially well with rice, potatoes, savoy cabbage and eggplants.
Coriander is the main ingredient in the famous curry seasoning used in marinades, sauces, cheeses and sausages.
Coriander is also used in the food industry: liqueur, brewing, confectionery and bakery industries. The essential oil obtained from cilantro seeds is used in the manufacture of medicines to improve their taste, as well as in cosmetology, perfumery and soap making.
