Coriander, a delicious herb from the Apiaceae family, is commonly used in Asian, Indian, and Latin cuisine. You may also hear coriander or cilantro called “Chinese parsley” or “Mexican parsley” due to its prevalence in Chinese and Mexican dishes. In other areas, cilantro and coriander are referred to as one another interchangeably.
The entire plant (Coriandrum sativum) is edible. However, the leaves, usually called cilantro, and the seeds, generally ground to make a spice, are called coriander.
Both cilantro and coriander have been used in traditional medicine for ages. However, a more recent trend that we’re seeing is people drinking coriander water. So, today we are sharing some of the incredible ways that coriander can support better health and a recipe for coriander water.
What are the Health Benefits of Coriander?
Anti-Inflammatory & Disease-Fighting Properties
Coriander leaves and seeds are touted as an anti-inflammatory herb, which recent scientific studies back up.
One study on roasted and raw coriander seeds found that the seeds had significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits compared to the control group. In addition, the same study showed that the coriander seeds inhibited the growth of human tumor cells, including gastric, colon, lung, and breast tumors.
Another study called coriander “a promising functional food for promoting the well-being in the era of aging and lifestyle-related diseases” after finding that coriander may have protective effects against cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Interested in learning more about anti-inflammatory spices? Check out our previous piece on turmeric and its many health benefits.
May Help with Diabetes Management
A study shared in the Journal of Food Chemistry notes that coriander seeds have a stimulating effect on the endocrine glands, which may lead to increased secretion of insulin from the pancreas. The increased secretion of insulin can then lead to higher levels of insulin in the blood, which may help sugar management and healthier blood sugar levels.
According to the study, “the spice [coriander] showed significant hypoglycemic action,” which is worth noting if you want to promote healthier blood sugar levels. This study also specifically used coriander seeds which are used to make coriander water!
May Improve Digestion & Reduce Stomach Upset
Coriander is probably best known for its traditional uses for treating digestive upset, nausea, and bloating. Recent studies have also shown promising results backing up the use of coriander for helping to ease digestive upset.
Research has found that coriander essential oil possesses many positive effects, including antifungal, anti-oxidative, and antibacterial properties.
One study found that Carmint, an herbal medicine containing coriander, provided relief from bloating and abdominal pain in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over eight weeks, IBS patients were given Carmint extract and observed. The patients consuming Carmint extract had significant reductions in the frequency and severity of their abdominal pain and bloating when compared to the control group.
Components of coriander may also help ease diarrhea. One study found that specific components of coriander helped reduce diarrhea in patients with diarrhea caused by fungal or microbial action.
Curious about other herbs that help relieve stomach pain? Check out our previous article on herbs for stomachaches here.
May Support Improved Brain and Mental Health
Many brain conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, may be caused or worsened by inflammation. So, an anti-inflammatory food like coriander may be helpful. Here’s what different scientific studies have found so far.
One study on mice showed improved memory after mice were fed coriander daily for 45 days. Researchers in this study concluded that coriander demonstrated memory-improving properties, anticholinesterase activity, and cholesterol-lowering properties, which may be helpful for many individuals, especially those with Alzheimer's disease.
Another study interested in finding herbal remedies for anxiety suggests that coriander extract produced anti-anxiety effects in animals similar to diazepam, a common anti-anxiety medication. The same study also noted that coriander might be helpful to individuals managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease due to its memory-improving properties. Researchers concluded this study by noting that coriander demonstrated anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties and should continue to be studied for these usages.
Interested in trying coriander out? Try these out:
- Coriander Seed Powder: This finely ground coriander seed powder has a warm and citrus-like taste with a fragrant, ripe aroma. We absolutely recommend trying this in your chili, soups, curries, and any cookies, cakes, or baked goods that you want to add warmth and depth to.
- Coriander Seeds Whole: Our Whole Coriander Seeds pack a warm and citrus-like flavor and are excellent toasted or roasted lightly. These seeds are delicious in stir-fries, marinades, spice mixtures, stews, and much more. You can also use these to make coriander water!
- Coriander Essential Oil: Our Coriander Essential Oil is safe for food and flavor use. Its warm, spicy, and sweet scent may promote better confidence, optimism, and a stronger memory. Many of our clients enjoy using Coriander Essential Oil to promote lessened nausea, indigestion, and stomach upset. Traditionally, this essential oil has been used as a sedative, anti-spasmodic, carminative, and regenerative remedy.*
Coriander Water Recipe
Interested in trying coriander water yourself? Here is a great recipe we found from Aruna on her blog, Aharam. She specifically notes that she likes using coriander seed water to help her reduce water retention and body heat.
You only need two ingredients!
Two tablespoons of Coriander Seeds
1 liter of water
Her recipe features two methods which involve boiling water and allowing the whole coriander seeds to steep in the water. Please note that you should drink the coriander water within a few hours, as it does not keep well and can become rancid quickly.
We hope today’s guide on coriander and its many health benefits was helpful! We definitely encourage you to try incorporating coriander into your cooking as it is a versatile and scrumptious spice.
Santé,
Natalie & Leilah