Coriander is a warm, spicy and flavorful spice. In India, coriander is used as a curry spice and a main ingredient in cooking. It has also gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Ayurvedic healers used it to treat digestive complaints, allergies and urinary problems.
Coriander arrived in China from India during the Han dynasty (207 B.C. to A.D. 220). At that time it was used for enhancing lovemaking. Modern Chinese herbalists use it to treat dysentery, measles and hemorrhoids.
Hippocrates and other Greek and Roman physicians recommended coriander as a digestive aid and gas remedy. The Romans also used coriander as a meat preservative.
Coriander seeds candy was popular in 16th century England and it is said Queen Elizabeth (First) loved these candies. This center hard candy evolved into modern day jaw breaker candy.
Some studies indicate coriander helps settle the stomach although some other spices like caraway seeds are certainly more effective even though coriander is tastier than caraway.
The Romans believed that coriander is a meat preservative as it contains substances that kill certain bacteria, fungi and insect larvae which attack meats. That is probably the reason that coriander is used in marinating meat and poultry. To support this, if you put coriander powder on a minor cut, after it has been thoroughly washed, it will work as a healing ointment.
One study shows that coriander has an anti-inflammatory action, suggesting it might help relieve arthritis.
Coriander belongs to the Umbelliferae family and other herbs of this family are carrots and parsley. Its botanical name is Coriandrum sativum. Its seeds as well as its lush green leaves are used in food, although its leaves are called cilantro.
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