Coriander

Chinese parsley, cilantro, Coriandrum sativum, koriander, oriartder

The medicinal elements of coriander are derived from the ripe, dried seed of Coriandrum sativutn. It contains 0.5% to 1 % essential oil. The volatile oil, which consists primarily of linalool, stimulates gastric acid secretion and has spasmolytic properties. It also provides vitamin C, calcium, magnesLUm, potassium, and iron. Coriander may have hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antiseptic effects. It's available as capswes, pure coriander seed, essential oil, powder, and tea; it's also used in natural deodorant products and in curry powder.

Reported uses

Coriander is used to enhance appetite and treat dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It's also used to treat coughs, chest pains, fever, bladder ailments, halitosis, postpartum complications, colic, measles, dysentery, hemorrhoids, and toothaches.

In aromatherapy, the essential oil is used for its soothing effects and to improve blood circulation. Coriander is also used as a flavoring agent or spice in foods and as a fragrallce in bath and beauty products. It call also be used to disguise the unpleasant taste of some medicines.

Administration

• Dried seed: 3 g/ day of crushed fruit
• Tea: Betweell meals; prepared by pouring 7 oz of boiling water over 1 to 3 g of crushed coriandor seed and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes
• Tincture: 10 ta 20 ml every day, after meals.

Hazards

Safety Risk Breathing difficulty, airway tightness, and urticaria may occur in patients with severe allergy to coriander. Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and vital signs closely.

Adverse effects associated with coriander include allergic reaction and increased risk of photosensitivity reactions with sun exposure.

Patients with hypersensitivity to coriander or any of its components, pregnant patients, breast-feeding patients, and children should avoid use, as effects in these populations are unknown.

Clinical considerations

• Some preparations may contain alcohol, so children, geriatric patients, those with a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease, and those taking disulfiram or metronidazole should avoid them.
• Instruct patient not to take coriander if he is allergic to it or any of its components.
• Assess patient's use of other therapies to manage GI complaints.
• Evaluate patient for complications such as melena, hematemesis, and significant unintended weight loss.
• Advise patient to seek emergency medical help immediately if he experiences adverse reactions, such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or dizziness.
• Advise patient to wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors and to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of coriander and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.