How to Use Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are readily found crushed into a powder form to use as a spice in cooking. You may sprinkle it in whatever you like for a subtle sweet-savory flavor with a warm hint of peppery citrus.
To use the whole seed for maximum flavor, dry-fry them: heat a frying pan without oil and add the seeds. Stir constantly until they release their strong scent. Remove from pan and cool. Seeds can then be used whole or crushed.
Coriander seeds contain B-complex vitamins and loads of vitamin C. They’re a good thing to add to foods to stave off colds and flu. They have their share of minerals, too: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, and are packed with fiber.
Coriander seed oil is safe for topical use with no contraindications reported, however, always test a new essential oil on a small patch of skin for sensitivity for twenty-four hours prior to use. As with most other essential oils, always mix with a carrier oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, etc.) in the ratio of 1-3 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
You may try these home remedies with coriander seed oil:
- Rub on your abdomen after eating large meals to assist with digestion.
- Apply to oily skin areas to reduce breakouts.
- Apply to sore muscles and joints or use with coconut oil and massage into the affected area.
- Soothe and relax muscles and mind by adding 2 cups Epsom salt and 10 drops each of lavender and coriander essential oils in a warm bath.
- Mix a few drops of coriander oil in water and use as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It’s effective against oral thrush, too. (27)
- Apply to athlete’s foot to kill the fungus and rejuvenate the skin. (28)
- Add a few drops to foods to prevent microbial growth, thereby extending shelf life; coriander seed oil has been found more effective than chemical preservatives. (29)
- Mix ½ teaspoon raw honey with 3 drops coriander seed oil and a little water and apply to dry and itchy skin for relief.
Coriander Detox Tea
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
Directions:
- Boil water and add all seeds.
- Boil for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea (or not) and place in a glass jar or bottle to drink in small amounts throughout the day.
Coriander Oil Aromatherapy
Psychologically, coriander oil is helpful for migraine, neuralgia, nervous exhaustion and insomnia. It has been used for colds and flu, digestive complaints, muscular aches and pains, and arthritis. Coriander can help promote feelings of security. It may increase creativity, spontaneity, and passion, as well as promote confidence and motivation. Plus, it is considered to be an aid to improving memory. It is useful to use coriander to assist recovery from illness, both physical and emotional.
Follow the instructions on your diffuser or rub a drop of coriander seed oil between your hands and cup over your nose and mouth.
For Internal Use
Coriander seed oil has been deemed safe as a food ingredient by the European Food Safety Authority. (30) Remember that with essential oils, a little goes a long way—a few drops are all you need to impart flavor and nutrition when mixing with other foods. To take on its own to promote healthy digestion or relieve pain, dilute 3-5 drops of essential oil with the same amount of carrier oil and place under the tongue. You can increase the dose using the same ratio once you’ve established that there are no adverse reactions. Don’t take more than 3ml per day though, as too much coriander seed oil can have a narcotic effect (known as “dizzycorn”). (31)
When you hear of an herb that has been used since ancient times for a variety of health issues, it’s wise to take notice. Drugs may work faster for a particular ill but at what long-term cost? Natural remedies are always preferred to synthetics because they work with your body rather than against it.