Have you ever experienced a debilitating episode of stomach pain? What did you do about it? Well, drinking a few sips of coriander seeds extract would perhaps be the most effective remedy for it!
And in case you didn’t know, coriander (whose scientific name is Coriandrum sativum) is a small plant belonging to the genus: Coriandrum in the Apiaceae family. It is spicy, aromatic and its seeds are used as cooking spice as well as in preparing certain traditional medicines. According to ancient traditional practice, coriander seeds are used to improve health and available in whole and powder form as well as an essential oil.
Coriander seeds are effective for regulating thyroid problems and alleviating bloating, gas, indigestion, allergies and arthritis. To soothe a swollen mouth or throat, you can even drink coriander extract or tea. Coriander seeds also provide iron for energy, reduce heavy menstrual flow, improve detoxification and aid weight loss.
To help you find value from coriander seeds, check out some of its benefits.
Improves Thyroid Issues
For people who suffer thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, eating coriander seeds can be beneficial. It regulates hormones due to its high level of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. A smoothie or tea made from coriander should be an essential part of your diet.
Aids Weight Loss
Coriander seeds can increase metabolism and burn fats. This means that people who desire to shed some weight should make coriander seed their new best friend. Having soaked 3 tbsp of coriander seeds for at least 3 hours, you can boil it in a glass of water. Once it reduces to half, drain the water and drink it twice per day. It will improve digestion and boost the immune system, which in turn helps in weight loss.
Alleviates Indigestion
If you suffer digestive problems, then you have your answer right here. Coriander seeds are effective in reducing inflammation and so, can ease bloating, gas, and other stomach problems. Additionally, it will help the intestines take in nutrients with ease.
To prepare a coriander seed smoothie, blend a tbsp of coriander seeds with coconut milk, ice, and watermelon or cucumber.
Improves Eye Health
The high antioxidant content in coriander seeds helps in reducing inflammation, redness and itchiness in the eyes. Coriander seeds also contain anti-bacterial properties that protect the eyes from contagious eye diseases like conjunctivitis.
If you suffer from conjunctivitis or pink eyes, simply wash your eyes with the decoction of coriander seeds. And to have better eyesight, use a drop of juice extracted from soaked coriander seeds paste. Additionally, to alleviate certain eye problems, drink coriander juice everyday on empty stomach.
Coriander seed also goes well with apples, pears, and lemons. To get a lively burst of flavor in your juice, combine coriander with tropical citrus like grapefruit and orange. It is okay to play around and experiment with different flavors. In the end, the health benefits of coriander seeds will be worth the try!
Relieves Allergic Reactions
Coriander seed contain cooling properties, making it great for soothing allergies and relieving common symptoms such as swelling, itchiness, and hives. To treat skin issues, make a paste of half teaspoon of coriander seeds with one teaspoon of honey. Apply the paste on the affected area and rinse off after about 10 minutes.
Tea made from coriander seed can also calm down a swollen mouth or throat. Just boil one teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds in a glass of water. Add honey (if you’d like) and drink tea warm.
Soothes Arthritis
Due to coriander’s anti-inflammatory components, it helps to relieve arthritis. Prepare your own ointment by adding coconut oil, Shea butter, and unscented lotion to half teaspoon coriander seed powder. Apply this mixture on the arthritic joints whenever you the pain comes on.
Regulates Diabetes
Coriander seeds are effective in maintaining insulin activity and lowering blood glucose levels. Due to the stimulating effect of coriander seed on the endocrine glands, insulin is secreted more in the pancreas. This in turn minimizes the chances of a sudden dip in blood sugar levels and ensures metabolism.
You can either make use of whole raw coriander seeds or powdered coriander seeds in soups, curries, pickles, gravies and juices. Alternatively, you can drink coriander water made from 10 grams of already crushed coriander seeds soaked in water all night.
Reduces Excessive Menstrual Flow
Women who experience heavy menstrual flow will find drinking water with boiled coriander seeds very helpful. It controls bleeding; ensuring that blood loss isn’t excessive. Coriander seeds contain high amounts of iron that help in replenishing the blood lost, thus increasing energy levels.
Medicinal Uses of Coriander Seeds
- In combination with fennel and dill, coriander seed is used as a digestive and carminative component in the preparation of a variety of gripe water.
- Coriander seeds can be chewed as a remedy to prevent bad breath or halitosis.
Selection and storage
High-quality coriander seeds should have pleasant and mildly peppery flavor when squeezed between fingers. When buying your coriander seeds, go for whole seeds instead of the powder because most times, it may be made up of an adulterated mix. Coriander seeds and its oil are easily accessible in grocery and drug stores.
And at home, coriander seeds should be stored in airtight jars or containers in dry, cooldark places. This way, they can retain their quality for many months. Ground or powdered coriander seeds should also be stored in airtight containers, kept in the refrigerator, and used as early as possible before it loses its flavor due to evaporation of essential oils.
Precautions and Warnings
If taken in smaller doses, coriander seeds do not have any known side effect on one’s health. As a matter of fact, they are considered safe for use by pregnant women as well as nursing mothers.
