CORIANDER Coriandrum sativum L.
Common Name:  Coriander, cilantro, Chinese parsley
Family: Apiaceae
Chinese Medicine Name:  Yan shi
Ayurvedic Name:  Dhanyaka
Parts Used:  Fruits (commonly referred to as “seeds”)
Actions:  Alterative, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Anti-fungal, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antiedemic, Antimicrobial, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Aperitif, Aromatic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Galactogogue, Hepatoprotectiev, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Refrigerant, Sedative, Spasmolytic, Stomachic
Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Spicy  
Energy:  Cooling Warming
 
Historically utilized to alleviate digestive issues, lower blood sugar, and combat inflammation.  One of the best known uses of coriander is for digestion.  As an aromatic carminative, coriander seed is used to treat gas, colic, and intestinal griping.  According to Ayurveda, coriander is especially indicated in pitta type digestive conditions.
 
Impressive health benefits of coriander can include:
1.  Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may all help lower blood sugar. In fact, people who have low blood sugar or take diabetes medication should practice caution with coriander because it’s so effective in lowering blood sugar.
2.  Rich in immune-boosting antioxidants.  One test-tube study found that the antioxidants in coriander seed extract lowered inflammation and slowed the growth of lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancer cells
3. May benefit heart health
Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that coriander may lower heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.  Coriander may protect your heart by lowering blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. A spice-rich diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
4.  May protect brain health
Many brain ailments, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, are associated with inflammation.  Coriander’s anti-inflammatory properties may safeguard against these diseases.
5. May promote digestion and gut health.  Coriander may reduce unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort often experienced by people with IBS. It may also boost appetite among some people.
6. May fight infections.  Coriander exhibits antimicrobial effects that may help fight foodborne illnesses and pathogens like Salmonella.