Coriander

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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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