Coriander Seed

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Coriander Seed BHCOR.5

�1.45

Herb of the carrot family. Has the flavour of lemon peel & sage. Use in pickles, oriental dishes and curried dishes.
Coriander seed is actually the common term for the tiny ribbed brown fruit of an annual herb, Coriandrum sativum. The delicate, bright green leaves are used as a culinary herb--better known as cilantro or Chinese parsley. The seed is also used to flavor various commercial foods, particularly beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, and puddings. Its pleasing aromatic oil is a common ingredient in creams, lotions, and perfumes.

Although native to Mediterranean Europe and West Africa, coriander is now cultivated in many countries with temperate climates. The seed was reportedly used by healers in ancient Greece, and later in Rome, Great Britain, India, and China. Its primary use in traditional medicine is for gastrointestinal complaints. For use in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional healing practice of India, coriander seed is combined with cardamom seed and caraway. Traditional European healers mixed it with caraway, fennel, or anise seeds.

Health Benefits

Although coriander has a long history of folk uses, from stomach-calming teas to muscle-soothing salves, no research has been conducted to prove its effects in humans. However, along with broad anecdotal evidence, laboratory and animal studies suggest that the herb may have some limited value as a mild digestive aid. These benefits are attributed to the action of tiny amounts of an aromatic volatile oil found in coriander seed (and to a lesser degree in the plant's leaves).

In test tubes, the essential oil has been shown to fight some fungal and bacterial infections, and in animal studies the dried seed has shown diuretic (water pill) properties. Coriander also has nutritional value, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Some animal studies indicate that it lowers blood sugar and has other biological effects, although findings are contradictory.

Specifically, coriander seed may help to:

Calm upset stomach. Although its action is very mild, coriander seed may be helpful in easing gastrointestinal symptoms. Many modern herbalists follow the ancient traditionalists in specifically recommending coriander for indigestion and diarrhea. Coriander is also used as an ingredient in some laxative preparations in order to counteract their harsh effects on the stomach.

Relieve flatulence. As a carminative, coriander seed may gently ease intestinal gassiness and bloating. Used as a tea, coriander has long had a reputation for easing flatulence and relieving the painful cramps that can accompany it.

Revive appetite. Another therapeutic application for coriander seed is to stimulate a flagging appetite, which it apparently does by enhancing stomach function. Germany's Commission E, which has summarized the uses of hundreds of herbs, approves coriander as a remedy for loss of appetite.
Coriander
Coriander seeds come from the cilantro plant. They are round and beige, with a distinctive sweet, spicy flavor and strong aroma. Unlike other plants in which the seeds and the leaves carry the same flavor and aroma, coriander and cilantro are distinct. Coriander seeds are available whole or ground and are frequently used in Indian cuisine and pickling mixtures.