Coriander Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Traditionally an herb of protection an immortality, Coriander (also known as cilantro and Chinese parsley) is a strongly aromatic hardy annual herb, growing about 1 meter high with bright-green leaves and dainty white flowers. It produces bunches of seed that turn from green to brown as they ripen. Native to Europe and Western Asia, naturalized in North America, and cultivated throughout the world, the essential oil is mainly produced in Russia, Yugoslavia, and Romania.

This essential oil is steam distilled from the ripe seeds of organically-cultivated Russian Coriander.An orange oil-like, slightly camphoraceous top note melds with the woody, sweetly-spiced middle note and the musty, mossy undertones.

Suggested companion oils include: Bergamot, Cinnamon, Citronella, Clary Sage, Cypress, Ginger, Jasmine, Neroli, Petitgrain, Pine, Sandalwood and a multitude of spice oils.

Coriander has been a popular aromatic stimulant and culinary spice cultivated for over 3,000 years. Mentioned in numerous medieval and Greek medical texts, Coriander is also indicated as a medicine in the Bible, and early Sanskrit writings. Indigenous to Israel, Coriander was compared by the Ancient Hebrews to the manna provided by God to the Children of Israel and was one of the bitter herbs eaten during Passover. The Ancient Egyptians believed it to be the 'secret to happiness' and thus combined it with fresh garlic in wine and drunk as an aphrodisiac. Coriander seeds were found in the in the tombs of Ramses II and Tutankhamen.

The seeds and leaves are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. A featured herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic of the Stomach and Heart, the herb in Ancient China was thought to promote longevity and ease pain.

Analgesic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Cytotoxic, Depurative, Digestive, Fungicidal, Larvicidal, Lypolytic, Sedative, Stimulant (cardiovascular, nervous system), Stomachic. (See Definitions.)

As with other plants in the Umbelliferae family such as Fennel and Caraway, Coriander seed is primarily known for its digestive and carminative properties.

Digestive System:

Research conducted at Cairo University has affirmed the positive effect of Coriander on lowering glucose and insulin levels while supporting and strengthening pancreatic function.

• Similar to Cardamom, Coriander seed oil strengthens the function of the spleen-pancreas and digestive system.
• Circulates Qi energy in the Stomach
• Stimulates appetite
• Useful in cases of anorexia
• Quells indigestion, nausea, and flatulence.

Psychological:

• Grounding
• Instills a sense of joyfulness
• Calms the nervous system and uplifts the spirit
• Balances states of nervous tension, depression, anxiety and neurotic over-analysis.
• Stimulates creative processes, spontaneity, passion and intuition.

Respiratory System:

• Treats respiratory infections

Cardiovascular System:

• Promotes healthy circulation

Dermatological:

• Balances skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Joints and Muscles:

• Aids with arthritis pain, muscular aches and rheumatic pain.

Immune System:

• Staves off colds, flu and general infections.

Due to its estrogen content, Coriander oil may regulate and help control pain related to cramping during menstruation. Fortifying both the Qi and the nerves, the oil is indicated for general debility, mental fatigue, and nervous exhaustion as well as headaches and various other generalized stress patterns.

Coriander Seed oil can be applied topically, in a diffusion for inhalation or ingested in a solution or added to food.Coriander Seed essential oil is considered non-toxic, a non-irritant and non-sensitizing in small doses. It does have stupefying (dulling of the senses) in large doses, so be sure to be aware of your ingestion rate and quantity.

Please consult a physician if you are pregnant.