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Coriander
CautionEchter Koriander · (Coriandrum sativum)
Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Description
Few kitchen herbs divide opinion like coriander: a genetic quirk means roughly 10–15 % of people perceive the aldehydes in its fresh leaves as soapy, while most others find them pleasantly citrusy. This annual member of the carrot family yields two harvests — aromatic leaves through summer, and essential-oil-rich seeds gathered once ripe in late summer. Commission E recognised dried coriander seed for loss of appetite and mild digestive discomfort, an effect attributed mainly to its linalool content; in traditional tea blends coriander often joins fennel and caraway. As a culinary spice it is considered safe, though it can trigger reactions in people allergic to other Apiaceae — in Switzerland an estimated 15 % of food-allergy sufferers are affected. Its sap may also sensitise skin to sunlight, occasionally causing photoallergic reactions.
Dried coriander seeds (fruits) are a classic culinary and medicinal spice. Commission E approved coriander seeds for dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite. The carminative and antispasmodic effect is attributed to the essential oil (main constituent linalool).
Preparation & dosage
Lightly crush or crack seeds before infusion. Pour 150 ml hot water over 1.5–3 g fruits, steep 10 minutes, strain. Up to 3 times daily.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–3 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are used worldwide as a culinary herb. They are rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium and iron. The characteristic smell comes from aliphatic aldehydes (2-decenal, 2-dodecenal). Genetically, about 10–15 % of people perceive these aldehydes as soapy.
In the folk medicine tradition of Europe and the Middle East, crushed coriander seeds are used as tea for flatulence, colic and nervous tension. Coriander as a component of digestive tea blends (with fennel, caraway, anise) is documented since the 19th century.
The essential oil from coriander seeds (linalool-dominated) shows antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in vitro. A topical lipolotion product (1 % coriander oil) is used for skin care in superinfected eczema. Must be well diluted (1–2 % in carrier oil).
In Ayurvedic and Persian folk medicine, coriander seeds are used for palpitations, anxiety and headaches. Preclinical studies confirm anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties of linalool; human clinical evidence is lacking.
Externally, coriander was used in folk medicine as a compress for rheumatic complaints. A decoction of leaves or seeds is applied to cloths and placed on the joints.
Sources: [3]
Coriander as a culinary spice is safe. Allergy potential exists – in Switzerland approximately 15 % of all food allergy sufferers react sensitively to coriander (Apiaceae/celery-mugwort syndrome). Plant sap can trigger photoallergic skin reactions in sunlight. Very large quantities may cause mild narcotic effects (historically documented). ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Safe in normal culinary and tea amounts. Avoid therapeutic doses of the essential oil during pregnancy.
Safe as a culinary spice. Reputed to promote lactation (galactagogue) – no clinical evidence.
Safe as a culinary herb in child-appropriate amounts. Introduce carefully if there is a family history of allergy.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to coriander or other Apiaceae (celery, fennel, carrot).
- Bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis: use coriander dust and oil with caution.
Harvested part: seeds (late summer), fresh leaves
- Time of day:
- Morning after dew has dried. Harvest regularly to delay bolting – once the flower stalk appears, leaves lose aroma.
- Drying:
- Fresh leaves dry poorly – better to spread on kitchen paper or freeze (aroma better preserved than by drying). Dried leaves keep for about 6 months.
- Storage:
- 6 months
- Time of day:
- Harvest seed heads when they turn from green to light brown – before self-shedding, as ripe fruits fall easily.
- Drying:
- Allow seed heads to dry hanging or on a cloth for 2 weeks; seeds keep in an airtight container for up to 3 years. Crushed seeds lose aroma more quickly.
- Storage:
- 36 months
- LinaloolEssential oilContent: ca. 60–70 % im ätherischen SamenölSeed
Dominant monoterpene in seed oil; antimicrobial, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory. Gives dried seeds their characteristic citrus aroma.
- alpha-PinenEssential oilContent: variabel, bis ca. 10 %Seed
Bicyclic monoterpene; antibacterial, expectorant properties.
- CampherEssential oilContent: bis ca. 5 %Seed
Monoterpenone; contributes to the warm, spicy character of coriander oil.
- Petroselinsäure (Petroselic acid)OtherContent: ca. 13–23 % fettes Öl im SamenSeed
Main fatty acid in the fixed seed oil; esters of petroselic, linoleic and oleic acid.
- Vitamin KVitaminContent: reichhaltig in frischen BlätternLeaf
Fresh leaves particularly rich in vitamins K, A and C. Seeds have lower vitamin content but more dietary fibre and minerals.
- 2-Decenal / 2-DodecenalEssential oilContent: dominierend in frischen Blättern (85–95 % des Blatt-Öls)Leaf
Aliphatic aldehydes; responsible for the typical – by some perceived as soapy – smell of fresh leaves. Genetically determined perception differences (OR6A2 gene).
- Quercetin / RutinFlavonoidContent: geringAerial parts
Flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; detected in small amounts in leaves and seeds.
- [3]MonographCoriandrum sativum – PFAF Plant Database(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [4]MonographCoriander – Altmeyers Encyclopedia, Department Phytotherapy(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [5]MonographEthnobotanical and phytochemical aspects of the edible herb Coriandrum sativum L. J Food Science 2022(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [6]MonographNeuroprotective effects of Coriandrum sativum and its constituent linalool: A review. PMC 2021(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [7]MonographASPCA Animal Poison Control — Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses(accessed: 2026-08-10)
- [1]WikipediaEchter Koriander (Wikipedia DE)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [2]WikipediaCoriander (Wikipedia EN)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
Distribution in Europe
🪴 Grow at home
- ☀ Light
- partial shade
- 💧 Water
- every few days
- 🌱 Soil
- Loose, humus-rich
- 🪴 Pot
- 18 cm
- ⭐ Difficulty
- ★★☆ intermediate
- 🐾 Pets
- non-toxic — verified against the ASPCA list
Tips:
- Bolts quickly in heat — sow new every 2-3 weeks.
- Sow in place — doesn't tolerate transplanting.
- Both leaves (cilantro) AND seeds (coriander spice) usable.
Care tips are general indoor-gardening recommendations, not scientific sources.
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as:
✨ Best symbiotic partners
⚠️ Better not planted together
Source: Gertrud Franck, Gesunder Garten durch Mischkultur (1980, eigene Kuration) | Helga und Margarete Langerhorst, Mein gesunder Naturgarten (eigene Kuration)