The beneficial properties of coriander are well-known to every mother – it is the best carminative after dill seeds. The chemical composition of coriander has given us citral – a natural fragrance.
Coriander came to us from Rome. The name “coriander” means bedbug. During the maturation of its seeds, the plant emits a specific pungent smell of bedbug glands (decanal), but by the end of maturation, this scent completely disappears.
Coriander fruits contain a fair amount of essential oil that includes:
- Linalool – smells like lily of the valley, calms the nervous and cardiovascular systems; linalool oxidizes to citral. A safe natural flavoring agent.
- Geraniol – a fragrant substance with a rose aroma.
Chemical Composition of Coriander
- Pectin - improves digestion and is used in culinary and pharmaceutical industries.
- Coriandrol - a phytosteroid that activates protein synthesis and helps muscles recover after intense physical exertion.
- Phytosterols - a natural antiseptic and antibacterial component of elite cosmetics.
- Organic acids - acetic, formic, citric, oxalic.
- Rutin - a natural angioprotector with anti-sclerotic properties.
Coriander oil contains oleic, isooleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and myristic fatty acids.
Vitamins:
Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Lutein + Zeaxanthin, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Folic Acid - an essential vitamin for the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems; Vitamin PP, Vitamin B4.
Macro and Microelements:
Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Selenium, Zinc.
Coriander in medicine has been used since Ancient Egypt. It has a choleretic property and is included in stomach herbal blends. Traditionally, it has been used as an anti-parasitic, pain-relieving, and cold remedy. It is great for relieving gas.
I add whole coriander seeds to broth, and I always sprinkle ground coriander in the marinade for chicken (for example, a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, coriander, and a spoonful of honey). Moreover, coriander is part of my favorite curry.
Coriander greens can be grown on a windowsill .
