Medicinal Benefits of Coriander Seeds

Slofoodgroup Team October 15, 2022

Coriander, the seeds of the cilantro plant (Coriandrum sativum), are a flavorful addition to a wide assortment of cuisines. They are citrusy, floral, and earthy and contain a bit of a nutty crunch when used whole. The uses for coriander aren’t limited to those of the culinary variety, however. This aromatic spice is also used all over the world as a natural remedy that is both aromatic and effective. 

The suggested benefits are many and span the entirety of the body and mind. Let’s take a look at how natural healers around the globe are using coriander.

Coriander as a Natural Remedy

Coriander might help prevent food poisoning.

Coriander seed and cilantro leaves are both highly regarded for their antimicrobial properties. This is because they contain a natural chemical compound called dodecenal which is even more effective at battling bacteria than many antibiotics.  As such it is often added to food with the dual purpose of warding off food born illness and contributing a distinctive flavor that compliments a wide variety of dishes. Perhaps this is why it has long been an additive to naturally cured meats. 

Coriander could assist in reducing inflammation.

Coriander is not only good for preventing food poisoning, it is also effective in reducing inflammation in the body. The seeds of the cilantro plant contain a several antioxidants that are great for numerous inflammatory diseases and overall daily-to-day health. That being the case, it’s no wonder why there are claims of this spice being used for lessening symptoms of arthritis, preventing heart disease, and even fighting cancer. One study even found that coriander slowed the growth of lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancer cells”.

Coriander may help keep healthy levels of blood sugar and blood pressure.

Diabetes and heart disease are two of the biggest epidemics the world has ever seen, claiming around 20 million deaths globally each year, and at a rate that doesn’t appear to be slowing. Luckily, there is a delicious ingredient that is not only tasty in curry dishes and braises, but is also proposed to be a powerful natural remedy for preventing heart disease and lowering blood glucose levels. 

Coriander is used for emotional health.

The coriander plant has long been used in folk medicine for brain health, but until recently, there were no scientific claims to back it up. More and more, research has been conducted to validate hypotheses centering around the medicinal benefits of coriander. One such study, measured its effectiveness  on brain health. The results suggest that it “could influence the activity of brain electrophysiological and salivary secretion to improve people’s negative emotions” and reduce the risk and symptoms of depression.

*****

If you enjoyed this post about the suggested healing properties of coriander, you might also like to learn about various other ingredients that are as wel-suited for the home apothecary as they are for the spice rack. 

• Drinking Green Tea for Health
• Potential Health Benefits of Mace
• Using Star Anise for Health
• Saffron as a Natural Remedy