Coriander
- a herb from the Umbelliferae
family, is also known as
cilantro. Cilantro leaves are used in Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican and
Indian cuisine. The small round fruits produced by the flowerheads are
used as a spine in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. In traditional
Indian medicine Coriander fruits are used to reduce excess heat in the
body.
The
essential oil is extracted from powdered dried fruits that have
developed the desired aroma. (Fresher fruits results in an unpleasant
scent for aromatherapy purposes). Coriander is considered an aid to
digestion, as are Aniseed and Fennel, other seed oils from the
Umbelliferae family.
Rheumatic
pain - add 5 drops of Coriander oil to 1 tablespoon of
vegetable oil and massage gently into the affected area. Repeat as
often as necessary.
Indegestion
and colic - add 3 drops of Coriander oil to 1 tablespoon of
vegetable oil (olive). Starting at the person's lower right side,
gently massage the abdomen in gentle clockwoise circles using this oil
blend.