Member Advice on Herbs & Spices

Coriander was used by mankind as early as 5000 BC. The name Coriandrum, is derived from the Greek koros, (a bedbug), because of the unpleasant smell of the leaves, while the Africans called this herb by a similar name (goid). The best coriander was supposed to have come from Egypt, and no doubt the Israelites gained their knowledge of its properties. It is still much used in the East as a condiment, and forms an ingredient in curry powder.

It is extensively grown in India,the Soviet States, central Europe, Asia, Morocco, and South and Western Australia.

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Uses in the Kitchen
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Coriander is something which is used as a garnishing agent in Indian cooking. Besides this, coriander is also used as a chutney. Coriander is used in two forms, in the form of a spice and in the form of a herb.The former is the dried form of the whole mature seed capsule (fruit) but is frequently termed as 'coriander seed'.The odour and flavour of these two products are markedly different.

Coriander spice is used as a pickling spice, in seasonings and sausages and also in pastries, buns, cakes and other confectionary. Coriander oil is used to flavor alcoholic beverages, candies, meat, sauces and tobacco. The fruits and oil are used to cover the taste or correct the nauseating or griping qualities of other medicines.

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Herbal Uses
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In addition to flavouring our food, coriander also has many medicinal properties.It contains many curative and cooling properties beneficial for health.
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Nose Bleeding
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Nose bleeding is a common during the summer specially for kids. You can extract the juice of the coriander leaves and make the patient inhale the juice.

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Headache and Skin Rashes
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This is very good for headache. You can apply the extract of fresh coriander leaves on your head. This helps control nose bleeding too. You could also mix equal quantity of sandal paste and powder of coriander seeds in a little water and apply it on your forehead. Application of coriander paste on your skin is helpful in healing skin rashes and intake of the juice can help you heal internal inflammations.

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Diarrhoea and Vomitting
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One to two tsp. of fresh juice of coriander leaves mixed in buttermilk ( a mixture of curd and water with salt and sugar) and taken 2-3 times a day helps diarrhea. Consuming coriander also helps in controlling vomitting.

Indigestion, Nausea, Hepatitis,Typhoid fever and Dysentry - Make chutney with equal quantities of dry coriander seeds, ginger, and grated coconut. Add a little salt to improve taste. This is to be taken with boiled rice or chapatti. For a weak stomach, eat 5-6 gm coriander seeds after every meal.

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Pimples and Blackheads
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Besides sandalwood paste coriander is also useful for removing those irritating pimples. Make a decoction by boiling coriander seeds in water. Gargle frequently. The decoction can also be applied to the eye to treat burning and swelling caused by conjunctivitis.

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My Take
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Besides the fact that I love this herb and try to putit in almost every spicy dish I make or any Italian dish I make, I find coriander the best garnishing agent for Indian and Continental cooking. Chutneys are also very tasty if mixed with Mint paste salt and sugar and a dash of lemon.

Well I hope this helped you all. Eat healthily and live healthily..

© Pallavi 2002