Cilantro Herb Profile
Also known as
Coriandrum sativum, coriander leaf, Chinese Parsley, Coriandri Fructus, Koriander, Kustumburi.
Introduction
Cilantro is the leaf of the herb most the world knows as coriander. Its use can be traces back over 5000 years. Hippocrates used it as an aromatic stimulant. The Egyptians used it as a tea for both urinary tract infections and for headaches. The Romans took it to Britain, and the British took it to North America. Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Peru and Mexico, where it spread north to the Americas. Cilantro has been used to settle upset stomach in Latin American herbal healing traditions, much as other traditions use coriander, fennel, or dill.
Constituents
Alpha-pinene, lauric acid, p-cymene,
Parts Used
The fresh or dried leaf and stem, chopped.
Typical Preparations
Can be used to make teas, but more often used in cooking.
Summary
Cilantro is more than just tasty, it's also antimicrobial. The essential oils in cilantro are especially effective against Listeria bacteria, and also slow the growth of E. coli and Salmonella. Combining cilantro with onion or garlic increases its ability to keep food fresh. It is also thought to be an aphrodisiac, and is mentioned as such in Tales of the Arabian Nights over 1000 years ago.
Precautions
None.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
