Coriander essential oil is derived from Coriandrum sativum. This deliciously fragrant plant is used extensively in cooking. Theresh in dishes in Asia and the crushed seeds in India. Coriander is also known as Cilantro and Chinese parsley.
Coriander is an annual herb which grows to be up to twenty inches tall. It creates leaves that vary in shape depending on their placement on the plant. Its flowers are small, white, or pale pink, and they grow in umbels. Coriander’s fruits are small and globular, and often referred to as coriander seeds.
The essential oil of coriander is extracted from the leaves and the seed of coriander using steam or hydro- distillation. The resulting oil has a dry and bitter scent with musky and camphoraceous notes.
Coriander Essential Oil Benefits for the Body
Coriander essential oil is believed to be an aphrodisiac. It is said that it can help with impotence, frigidity, erectile issues, and a suppressed libido.
The essential oil of coriander also has carminative properties. It increases the appetite and helps with indigestion. It can also be used to help expel gasses and halt their production. Coriander oil also stimulates breaking down of fats, which helps maintain a healthy body fat index.
Coriander essential oil acts as an antispasmodic. It helps with all kinds of spasms, including coughs, intestinal spasms, and muscle cramps. Coriander oil has the ability to reduce pain. It can be used to find pain relief from a toothache, headache, and aching joints and muscles.
The essential oil of coriander has fungicidal properties. It can prevent fungi from growing and causing health issues. It can be used to treat skin infections caused by fungi.
Coriander Essential Oil Benefits for the Mind
Coriander essential oil is often used for stress relief. It has a peaceful and calming effect on the mind. It can also be used to uplift and stabilize mood. It can treat nervous tension, and remove any feeling of frustration. Coriander oil helps with feelings of self-doubt, and it heals mental fatigue.
The essential oil of coriander can boost confidence and motivation. It can improve memory and communication. At the same time, it will increase the positive energy, vitality, and leave users with an excited, inspired sensation.
Coriander Essential Oil Can Relieve Stress Caused By:
- Mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion
- Frustration and self-doubt
- Apathy with no known or obvious cause
- Lack of confidence and motivation
Blending Coriander Essential Oil for Additional Causes or Symptoms of Stress:
- Bergamot and Patchouli – life feels dreary, dull and tedious
- Ginger and Lemon – lack of opportunity and flexibility
- Grapefruit and Bergamot – irritable from feeling tense and pressurized
Coriander in Ancient History
The use of coriander for culinary and medicinal purposes dates back at least a couple millennia. It is believed that it was grown in ancient Persia at least a millennium before the Current Era. It is said that the Babylonians used it to add fragrance to their famed gardens.
There is archeological evidence that supports the claim that the ancient Egyptians grew coriander. It isn’t native to their country, but we know they used it. Remains of coriander were found in Tutankhamen’s tomb.
The ancient Greeks also cultivated coriander and used it for the creation of perfumes. Hippocrates was keen on its use in medicine, and Pliny mentioned that the best quality coriander comes from Egypt.
Coriander in Modern History
Coriander moved into the New World along with the Spanish and English settlers. The Spaniards brought it to the territories that are now part of Mexico and Spain. The English settlers cultivated it for culinary uses.
The medicinal properties of coriander were known in modern history. Nicholas Culpeper wrote about coriander in the first volume of English Physician and Complete Herbal, published in 1802:
“…the seed of coriander, being prepared, and taken alone or covered with sugar, after meals, closeth up the mouth of the stomach, stayeth vomiting, and helpeth digestion; the same roaster or patched, and drunk in wine, killeth and bringeth forth worms out of the body, and stoppeth the lask and bloody flux, and all other extraordinary issues of blood.”
Coriander Essential Oil Cautions
Coriander essential oil is safe for use if not taken in excess although some people might experience skin sensitivity when using it. During pregnancy and when nursing, coriander essential oil should be used with caution.
