In Indian medicine Coriandrum sativum is utilized as diuretic by boiling equal amounts of the seeds with Cumin and allowing the mixture to cool before drinking.[3] This is called an infusion and its designed to utilize multiple herbs for their synergistic qualities. In other words, they work together for optimal results. It also has carminative properties and aids in digestion.[3] If you ask me, this makes Coriander a great addition to any infusion because
it will help with the absorption of alkaloids from all of the ingredients.
There is quite a bit of scientific research into natural remedies such as this one. An entire branch of chemistry called phytochemistry studies the pharmacological alkaloids that plants produce. One such study which was conducted on rats shows that
Coriander has incredible hypolipidemic effect which resulted in lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein.[3] This seems to be induced by an increase synthesis of bile by the liver and an increase in the breakdown of cholesterol into compounds. [3]
Acne
"A Dr. named Vasant Lad ( director of the Ayurvedic Institution in Albuquerque, New Mexico suggest drinking cumin/coriander/fennel tea for Acne. He suggest combining 1/2 teaspoon of each of the three herbs, and steep them in hot water for about ten minutes. It should be consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner." [1 (Gottlieb, Dollemore 1995 162)] This is an excellent
example of an infusion. My theory is that the alkaloids in these herbs make it to the pores of your skin. I think that it may work even better if you sweat after consuming this. At any rate, this guy is a professional and knows what he's talking about.
Backache
"For severe backaches, an aromatic consultant named John Steele suggest making a massage oil of 4 drops of blue chamomile, 4 drops of birch, 4 dros of rosemary, coriander or eucalyptus, 4 drops of ginger and 14 drops of lavender essential oils. It's added to 1/2 ounce of a carrier oil found in most health food stores." [1 (Gottlieb, Dollemore 1995 195] I'm very famliar with each of these ingredients and I can tell you that they unite to make the ultimate topical anesthetic. Each of these ingredients on their own have many medicinal properties and a gold mine of pharmacological phytochemicals. This information can be verified on each individual page for each on of these items.
Fever
"Vasant Lad also suggest adding 1/2 teaspoon of Coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger power to a cup of hot water and steeping for ten minutes. Then you should drink it without straining out the herbs. One cup every thirty minutes is
suggested. He goes on to explain that the culinary spice is the active ingredient here.[1 (Gottlieb, Dollemore 1995 300)] Now we can see that this herb is more than just a culinary herb. In fact, after you do a lot of research you'll notice that all culinary spices have an arsenal of phytochemicals, each one having their own multiple pharmacological properties.
Indigestion
"Michael Scholes, an aromatherapist from Los Angeles suggest adding four drops of peppermint, marjoram, Coriander, fennel and basil essential oils to one ounce of olive or almond oil. It's gently massaged into the abdomen to treat indigestion."[1 (Gottlieb, Dollemore 1995 376)] You've heard of the story of Albert Hoffman first ingesting LSD by mistake because it was absorbed through his skin? This is the same concept. You'll often read or hear about holistic practitioners suggesting topical treatments for internal ailments.
Now you can see that culinary spices are not just for flavoring gourmet dishes. They all have pharmacological benefits of their own. You're now aware that there is a branch of chemistry dedicated to finding the medicinal chemicals that these plants produce. You understand that plant based medicine can be absorbed through the skin, and that certain medicinal herbs can be combined for their similar qualities.
It's important to know what you're doing before trying to create your own infusions. Certain plants are not safe to combine nor is it safe to combine certain natural remedies with pharmaceutical drugs. Make sure you do research before you experiment because you don't want to learn the hard way. I hope that this knowledge has inspired you to at least start cooking with culinary spices, and utilize the medicinal benefits of the food that you eat. As Hippocrates put it, "Let food by thy medicine, and medicine by thy food."[2]
There you have it. Coriandrum sativum is more than just a flavorful companion to other natural delicacies. The science is there, as is the obvious truth which hides from no eyes who seeks to look upon its essence. Thank you for reading this page I wrote and please if you enjoyed it subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on social media, and share my work! Thank you all!
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