Coriander: is widely used for its ability to disguise the unpleasant taste of other medications. It is the herb of choice to accompany senna, for both its taste and antispasmodic action when a strong laxative is required ...

Common Names: Coriander, Cilantro, Mexican or Chinese Parsley

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Family: Apiaceae

Plant Type: Annual

Parts Used: Leaves and seeds

Flowering: Summer

Coriander is native to southern Europe and North Africa to southwestern Asia.

Description: It is a soft, hairless plant growing to 50 centimetres (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the center of the umbel longer (5–6 mm) than those pointing towards it (only 1–3 mm long). The fruit is a globular dry schizocarp 3–5 mm diameter.

Cultivation: Coriander prefers moderately rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.6. It is a tender annual and grows in full sun to part shade.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves when they are fresh and green, before flowering, and use fresh. Collect the flowering heads in late summer and leave them to ripen; then it is easy to shake out the seeds.

Culinary Uses: Coriander combines a strong sage flavor with citrus. The leaves are known as cilantro and are used in Mexican, Chinese, and Spanish cooking. Add some to your salsa to get an authentic flavor. The seeds can be used whole or ground. The root is used in Thai cooking.

Coriander Magick

Love. Health. Healing.

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Use coriander in love sachets and spells.

Coriander will help you let go of painful memories from the past.

Wear coriander leaves as an amulet to keep you safe and attract love.

Add the powdered seeds to warm wine to make an effective lust potion.

Hang a wreath of fresh coriander leaves tied with a purple ribbon in your home to bring love, laughter and peace into your house.

Herbal Healing with Coriander

Medicinal Actions: Abortifacient, analgesic, anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antitumor, aperitif, aperitive, aphrodisiac, calmative, cardiotonic, carminative, deodorant, depurative, detoxifier, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, refreshing, regenerator, revitalizing, stimulant (circulatory system), stomachic, tonic

Medicinal Uses: Drink an infusion of coriander seeds to settle an upset stomach. Make poultices from crushed seeds to relieve the pain of rheumatism. Coriander stimulates the appetite and relieves children’s' diarrhea.

Body Care with Coriander

• To sweeten your breath, rinse your mouth with 1/2 cup cooled coriander decoction.

• To speed up healing of skin and mouth ulcers, apply a paste of 1 teaspoon coriander seed powder mixed into a few drops of olive oil.

Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon coriander seed in 1 1/2 cups water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain.

Source: The Essential Herbs Handbook by Lesley Bremness

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