This is a strongly aromatic annual herb that grows about a metre in height. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, but is now naturalised in North America and cultivated all around the world. The Persians grew this herb over 3,000 years ago and used it to add fragrance to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Both seed and leaf are used in herbal medicine.
The herb contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, sterols and phenolic acids. It is a stimulant, carminative (wind relieving) and warming.
Historically coriander has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
The leaves or seeds can be made into a herbal tea, and the leaves may be added to salads to give a peppery flavour. Essential oil is also available for use in aromatherapy and may assist with arthritic and rheumatic pain. It should though be diluted into a base oil such as almond at a ratio of 1:10.
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