🌿 Coriander – an ancient remedy that really does work 🌿 

The leaves of this plant are called cilantro, and I’m definitely a huge fan of them! I remember a long time ago, having mistakenly swapped one for the other and bought a bunch of cilantro instead of a bunch of parsley at the market, I realised my mistake far too late, once I was already at home, and, too lazy to go back and swap one for the other, I simply threw that useful but terribly smelly green stuff into the bin. And all because, to my unprepared nose, the smell of this herb was akin to some sort of bedbug stench. 

In England, I haven’t yet managed to spot cilantro anywhere, though I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of finding it in the depths of some farmer’s market. In Ukraine, however, this herb is quite popular, and the greens, oddly enough, are too. Of course, coriander cannot compete in popularity with either parsley or dill, but many Ukrainian housewives still use it regularly in their kitchens – both the leaves and the seeds. 

This spice is nothing new, after all, coriander was used as far back as in Ancient Egypt and India, and not only as a spice or medicine, but also as an aphrodisiac. Scientists have repeatedly found this miracle spice even in the tombs of the pharaohs, and in Indian Ayurveda it is still considered a means of purifying not only the body but also the mind. In short, nothing but benefits. 

🌱 Let’s take a quick look at what other benefits this super-spice offers us: 

• An excellent natural detox 
• Coriander seeds are excellent at cleansing the liver, flushing out toxins and heavy metals from both the liver and the body as a whole. Not all spices, incidentally, can boast such an effect. 
• A positive effect on the digestive system 
• Many spices are good for the stomach. Provided, of course, they are used sensibly and without excessive enthusiasm. And coriander is no exception. It not only combats spasms, colic and heartburn, but also helps to get rid of unwanted gas and, consequently, bloating. When consuming large amounts of heavy food, these seeds are simply indispensable. Just in moderation. 
• Good for the cardiovascular system 
• Thanks to its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, coriander helps the body maintain the proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Furthermore, this spice helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels, which is also important. 
• A real boon for the nervous system 

Not only the seeds, but also coriander essential oil has a positive effect on our nervous system – sleep becomes deeper, headaches disappear, and excessive anxiety fades away. Feel free to add 1–2 drops of coriander oil to your aroma lamp and enjoy the well-deserved benefits. 

High antioxidant content 

My regular readers probably already know the legendary benefits of antioxidants by heart, as they powerfully protect the body’s cells from oxidation, thereby boosting the immune system and slowing down the ageing process. These miraculous antioxidants are nothing short of magical! And the most wonderful thing is that they are found in abundance in coriander, which adds even more benefits to this incredible spice. 

So which is better – the leaves or the seeds? 

The intensely fragrant, green and curly cilantro is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as those much-sought-after ‘magicians’ – antioxidants. Coriander itself, or rather its seeds, contain large amounts of essential oils, as well as healthy fats and minerals. As for medicinal benefits, the seeds are definitely the better choice. 

What is the best way to use cilantro and coriander? 

• You can add coriander seeds to tea. I often add this spice to my herbal teas – it’s both tasty and incredibly healthy. 
• Finely chopped cilantro is excellent in salads, stews and soups. The main thing is not to overdo it in borscht! 
• You can also grind coriander seeds in a coffee grinder and add them to various baked goods (ideally homemade rye bread), as well as to homemade pickles and marinades. 
• For a detox: pour a glass of water over ½ tsp of seeds and leave to steep for 10 hours; drink in the morning on an empty stomach. But do consult your doctor first, of course. 

🌍 Interesting fact: 

The name ‘coriander’ comes from the Greek word ‘koris’, which translates as ‘bedbug’. Why is that? Because coriander leaves, especially when crushed, give off a scent reminiscent of these unattractive insects. So it’s no surprise that, back in the day, I was clearly not keen on the so-called aroma of this curly herb! 

Conclusion: although coriander does have an overly intense aroma that’s “an acquired taste”, the benefits of eating it are even greater. You can get used to the taste and aroma of this herb, whilst the benefits of consuming it are simply priceless. Coriander, for its part, is no slouch either, so this pair truly deserves our undivided attention.