Coriander: A Spice With Many Traditional Uses

Coriander is a spice you can find in any average kitchen pantry. It is a popular spice worldwide due to its flavourful flowery aroma and lemony taste. While coriander powder is a popular spice in Indian cuisine, its prevalence in medicinal practices like Ayurveda and other healing practices worldwide is not unknown. Spice significantly impacts various cultures, and each has its own usage, from culinary and medicinal to ritualistic usages. This article will discuss many traditional uses of coriander powder and seeds.

Cooling properties

Coriander seeds have long been utilized for neutralizing body heat as they possess cooling properties. The seed has predominant bitter-sweet qualities that promote a cooling effect on the body. It has been long used as a heat-neutralizing medicine in Ayurveda – ancient Indian healing practices. In addition, the spice can have a soothing impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it would be a go-to herb for heat-related excess associated with menopause. 

Herbal energiser and relaxant

Coriander is an aromatic stimulant that can naturally enhance energy in small doses. This may be because it contains volatile oil compounds which have antioxidant properties. One of the main compounds is linalool or coriander, which gives coriander its pleasant floral aroma and citrusy flavor.

However, according to many sources, the seeds can give tranquilizing effects when used in large amounts. Unlike caffeine stimulants, coriander does not promote depleted states. A plant-based herb like coriander powder can relax your mind by balancing the central nervous system.

Used as a digestive tonic

Aiding the digestive system is one of the prominent reasons for using coriander seeds in ancient Ayurvedic practices. The aromatic qualities are valued for healthy digestion, nutrient consumption, and body detoxification. In addition, coriander powder and seeds stimulate the production of digestive juices and strengthen digestive fire.

Coriander is also known for flushing out toxins. As a result, it is a critical ingredient in Ayurvedic tea, cumin, and fennel. Ground coriander also makes a great addition to the Khichri spice blend when you’re in the process of the dietary cleansing protocol. This cleaning effect goes along with coriander seed’s claimed benefit for digestion.

A key ingredient in curry powder

Coriander is a popular spice worldwide and a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. This flavorful spice goes in many curry powders and other ground spice blends because it is a balancing component of many heating spices. In addition, the rounded, ball-shaped seeds are sometimes dry-roasted with other spices to intensify the taste. Garam masala is a very popular spice blend in Indian cooking, and coriander powder is one of the key spices in it.

Used as a pickling spice

Coriander seeds are a popular ingredient in pickling spice blends and other spices like cloves, mustard seeds, black pepper, allspice, and bay leaves. The spice has antimicrobial properties, which keep fungus and bacteria at bay, keeping your pickle perfectly fresh and prolonging its shelf life. 

Supports urinary system

Coriander has diuretic properties. And because of this, they are highly revered for supporting the kidney and urinary system in herbal medicinal practices since ancient times. This also coincides with its cooling effects and adjunctive use in folk healing traditions for urinary tract infections.

Preservative and flavoring properties

The coriander seeds have been utilized for preservation since ancient times due to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This makes them an excellent option for preserving meat. In addition, the essential oils in coriander seeds and powder inhibit meat-spoilage organisms and help prevent animal fat rancidity. Today, they are widely used to spice sausages and many cultural meat-based dishes.

Carminative properties

The ancient Indian Ayurvedic practitioner has been using coriander as a gas-relieving medicine. And recent studies have also revealed that coriander has carminative properties that can soothe intestinal gas-related discomfort. In addition, the coriander tea taken before or after meals can help ease the flatulence and pain associated with it.

A classic ingredient in alcoholic beverages

Coriander has a long history of being used as an ingredient in brewing beer in many parts of Europe. Ancient Romans used to mix coriander seeds with wine to flavor them. The seeds have also been used to flavor various alcoholic drinks. They are likewise popular in herbal liquors, gins, and absinthe. 

Magical & ritualistic uses

Apart from medicinal and culinary usage, it has also been used in religious and magical practices. The spice has a vast history of magical, symbolic usage. It is claimed to invite peace and love and can be helpful during a grieving process. It is also known as energetically uplifting and intellect sharpening. Chewing on coriander seeds is said to increase psychic powers. Moreover, in India, they are also used in religious rituals and said to please the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, who brings prosperity.

Conclusion

Coriander has many uses, including its culinary usage in whole or grounded form with other ground spices. Besides this, its medicinal properties have made it a common herbal medicine worldwide. At the same time, it is believed to possess magical powers and be used for religious rituals in many cultures.