A-Z Off Spices – Dhania (Coriander or Cilantro)

29/05/2020

A-Z of Spices, Health & Welness, Herbs & Spices, Natural Health, Spices and Condiments, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

A-Z Off Spices – Dhania (Coriander or Cilantro)

My research into the spices and herbs featured on my site, is giving me so much of joy and satisfaction, and every time I cook – I am more aware of the spices and herbs I am adding and how they will benefit my list of ailments and at the same time be “oh so tasty”.

My May spice of the month is “Dhania” ( yes – it can be considered to fall in to the letter “C” – and therefore I am using the name “Dhania” – to ensure it falls under the letter “D” category) as some of us know it and then it is also referred to as “coriander or cilantro” – any which name you use – it is still an amazing herb to cook with and now I have found it is an extremely essential item to add to the “home remedies” section.

You can use the fresh herb – leaves and stems ( best way to store this is in a bottle of water with a loosely fitted lid and in the refrigerator) + the seeds – the seeds will take a few minutes to prepare so that you get all of its benefits – dry roast and then bruise with a pestle and mortar.

Coriander/Cilantro/Dhania

Surprisingly not much is known about the origin of the plant – references can be found in Sanskrit writings, it thought to be native to the Mediterranean and southwestern Europe – it dates back to at least 5000 B.C. Coriander is even mentioned in the Old Testament – “the manna provided to the Jews fleeing Egypt was described as being like coriander seeds”. A type of liquor was made by the seventeenth century Frenchmen using coriander and coriander/cilantro was one of the herbs grown by the American colonists of Massachusetts

Coriander is a member of the parsley family and the word “coriander” describes the whole planet – seeds, leaves, stems and roots which are used in Thai curries for an added pungent flavour. The herb is used worldwide as a condiment, garnish, herb and flavourant. It is referred to by many names – coriander, cilantro or dhania (in the Indian Subcontinent and it is grown all over the world. The lemony and floral flavour of the coriander herb and stems lends itself to many Asian, Latin, Indian and European dishes, whereas the seeds of the coriander plant is mostly used in Indian cuisine.

Mostly coriander is used in cooking, flavouring and garnishing, however most of us do not know or use it for all the essential, vitamins and nutrients packed into it and making it beneficial to our health and wellbeing.

Just a few of the essential nutrients that coriander contains:-

Excellent source of iron, manganese, magnesium, and fibre
The leaves are a good source of vitamin C & K and protein
Small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, potassium and carotene can be found in them

Health & Wellness Benefits Of Coriander:-

Lowers the level of bad cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol
Helps lower blood pressure – relaxes the blood vessel tension – thereby reducing chances of a heart attack or stroke
Good for the digestive system – promotes liver functions and bowel functions
It can aid in stimulating insulin secretion and lower blood sugar levels
The vitamin K it contains – helps treat Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Vitamin A- which is fat soluble and an antioxidant – aids in protecting one from lung cancer
It has anti-inflammatory properties –which assist in treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
Its antioxidant properties are a good remedy for the treatment of conjunctivitis
It can be used to promote the nervous system and stimulate the memory
Helps with the treatment of anaemia – because of the high amounts of iron it contains
Relives skin disorders – because of it detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties
Its naturally occurring antibiotics – aid in protecting one from food or water borne diseases – like salmonella – which we all know is the most dangerous causes of foodborne illnesses
As a source of calcium – it helps with bone regrowth and durability
Studies have shown that right dosage of coriander can be as helpful as prescription drugs for the treatment of anxiety and stress which will also result in a good night’s sleep
Detox – coriander aids in removing and neutralizing heavy metals in the body that build up over time and cause hormonal imbalances, heart diseases & neurological disorders.

Wow! There are an amazing number of health benefits to consuming coriander – and just as many ways for one to be able to include this in your daily diet – and if you do not like the taste or smell of it – add to your smoothies, initial stages of your cooking or to pesto’s – however creative you want to get is fine so long as you ensure it is added to your daily diet.