Green Gold: The Joy of Growing Your Own Coriander

Introduction

Every household in India uses dry coriander fruit as spice. Everyone is aware of its importance in spices. So only the medicinal properties and use are discussed here.

Chemical Composition

Coriander contains 0.36 to 1.6% volatile oil and 13% stable oil. The volatile oil contains mainly corianderol. The fruit and its powder must be stored in air-tight containers else the volatile oil is lost and it looses its medicinal valuc.

Properties

It cures tridosas, swelling and oedema. It relieves pain, and also thirst. It is a natural purgative and improves digestion. It excites liver and is rakta pitta sbauwak. It is beneficial for heart and cures cough, urine infections, and related disorders. It is antipyretic and promotes physical strength. It reduces sperm count.

Medicine used

1. Grind 20 gm coriander and boil it in one glass of water and then strain the solution through fine cloth. Put 1 drop each in both the eyes. It cures conjunctivitis disorder and also cures pain in the eyes. It reduces the itching in the eyes and also cures watery eyes.
2. Boil 20 gm coriander in 400 ml water till water is reduced to 1/4*. Use this water to rinse the eyes. It cures whiteness of the eyes, swelling and wound in the eyes due to chicken pox.
3. Take and grind equal quantities of coriander and barley seeds. Prepare a poultice of the paste and apply on the eyes. It cures swelling of the eyes.
4. Put 1-2 drops of coriander juice in the eyes. It prevents the chicken pox boil in eyes. In Public Domain Panen Kanya

Throat pain: Chew 5-10 seeds of coriander every morning and evening. It cures throat pain.

Headache: Soak equal quantities of coriander and Indian gooseberry overnight in water. Next day morning, grind and strain the solution. Give this with sugar mixed in it. It cures headache due to heat.

Fool smell in breath: Chew 5-10 coriander leaves everyday.

It controls foul breath.

Baldness: Prepare paste of 100 gm coriander powder with 100 gm vinegar. Apply this paste on the head. It cures baldness.

Nassi bleeding Grind 20 gm coriander leaves and mix a little amount of camphor in it. Put 1-2 drops in the nose and also apply a few drops on the head. It controls nasal bleeding.

Cough in children: Grind 10-20 gm coriander in the rice water and add sugar to it. Give this to the child every morning, afternoon, and evening. It cures cough and also 2 is beneficial in asthma in children. Piles:

mi coriander oil. It brings immediate relief.

Vomiting :

In case of vomiting during pregnancy, give 100 gm decoction of coriander with 20 gm sugar and 20 gm rice water mixed in it. Give this solution repeatedly in small quantities to the pregnant woman. 2. Take 5 gm each of coriander, ginger root, sugar

candy, nut-grass, and prepare their decoction in 32 ml water. Give this to the pregnant woman or to any one suffering from vomiting. It immediately controls vomirs

Low digestive power: In case of bronchial asthma, fever and indigestion, take equal quantities of cloves, ginger root, coriander, and nishoth and prepare their powder. Give 2 gm of this powder with warm water every morning and evening

Dysentery:

1. Take 20 gm decoction of coriander and ginger toot and mix Igm powder of castor root. Give this to the patient twice a day.
2. Prepare decoction of equal quantities of coriander and ginger root and give 10-20 gm of this decoction to patient every morning and evening. This improves the digestive power.
3. Boil 10-20 gm seeds with a glass of water and 10 grn sugar candy. Give this to the patient. It stops the bleeding from boils.
4. Take equal quantities of harad, Guduchi, and coriander and boil them in 4 times water till water is reduced to 1/4. Mix jaggery in the remaining solution and give this to the patient. It cures all types of piles.

Metrorrhagia: Give 10-20 gm of coriander decoction, 2-3 times a day. It helps control the excessive flow of blood during menstrual cycle.

Athritis/Joint pain: Give 6 gm coriander powder with 10 gm sugar, every morning and evening. This helps cure joint pain due to heat.

Dehydration: Take coriander water and mix honey and sugar candy in it. Give this to the patient. It quenches the thirst due to pilia.

Fever: Take 10 gm each of coriander and rice and soak them in water overnight. Next day morning, prepare decoction of this mixture and give 30 ml of this decoction to the patient every morning and evening. It cures fever and pain.

Growth Requirements:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil, rich in organic matter
• pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.2-6.8)
• Water: Moderate; avoid overwatering
• Temperature: Thrives in cooler climates; prefers temperatures between 50°F-85°F (10°C-30°C)

Propagation:

• From Seeds: Coriander is usually grown from seeds. The seeds can be planted directly into the ground or pots after the last frost in spring. Germination typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
• Spacing: 6-8 inches apart
• Time to Harvest: 3 to 4 weeks for leaves, 2 to 3 months for seeds.

Uses:

1. Culinary:
   • Leaves (Cilantro): Used fresh as a garnish or in dishes like salsas, curries, soups, and salads. Cilantro has a bright, lemony flavor.
   • Seeds (Coriander): Used whole or ground in spice mixes, pickling, curries, and baked goods. Coriander seeds have a warm, nutty, and slightly citrusy flavor.
2. Medicinal:
   • Traditionally used for digestive issues, reducing inflammation, and as a mild diuretic.
   • The seeds are also believed to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
3. Aromatic:
   • The essential oil extracted from coriander seeds is used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.

Common Problems:

• Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and damping-off can affect young plants.