Coriander - Coriandrum sativum

A strongly aromatic annual plant growing to 20 inches tall, with small white or pink flowers, and finely cut upper leaves. The leaves and seeds are both used in culinary and medicinal preparations.

Recent Japanese research suggests that Coriander leaves can accelerate the excretion of toxic metals like mercury, lead, and aluminium from the body - good news for anyone suffering from the ill effects of a mercury amalgam dental filling : eat plenty of fresh leaves! The juiced plant is traditionally used in the East as a remedy for allergic problems, such as hay fever, and can be used externally as a lotion for skin rashes and inflamed or irritated skin.

Coriander is a euphorising, pep-up spice which eases digestive upsets, indigestion, and flatulence (sip an infusion of the herb - also good for relieving bloating and griping), and stimulates digestion - making it useful in treatment of anorexia nervosa. Coriander can also be chewed to sweeten the breath - particularly effective against garlic odours.
The oil also makes a useful analgesic for nerve and muscle pains, and is effective in a lotion for rheumatic pains.

European beliefs hold coriander as an aphrodisiac.

! Essential oil not to be taken internally !