The efficacy and function of coriander

As people's living standards improve, they pay more attention to health preservation. Many people know that the traditional Chinese medicine coriander is good for the body and can treat many diseases. Let’s learn about it today.

[Other names] Coriander (Yunlue), Cilantro (Bencao Shiyi), Hucai (Wai Tai), Trichosanthes (Tang Novels), Garden Cilantro (Dongxuan Bi Lu), Cilantro (Riyong Bencao), Coriander (Puji Fang), Coriander, Kudzu vine, Gypsophila paniculata (Hunan Yaoyao Zhi).

[Source] It is the whole herb with roots of coriander of the Apiaceae family. Harvest in spring, wash and dry.

[Original morphology] Annual herb, the whole plant is glabrous. The taproot is thin, usually fusiform, with numerous lateral roots. The stem is erect, hollow, 20 to 60 cm high, and has fine ridges. The primary root leaves have long petioles, 1 to 2 times pinnately divided, the lobes are broadly ovate or fan-shaped, and the base is cuneate; the stem leaves are alternate, with shorter petioles, 2 to 3 times pinnately divided, and the final lobes are narrowly linear. The compound umbel is terminal or opposite to the leaves; there are 3 to 6 pedicels, about 2 to 6 cm long, usually without bracts; there are usually 3 bracteoles, linear-conical; the flowers are small, white or light red; the calyx has 5 teeth at the tip; there are 5 petals, obovate, and the flowers around the umbel are irregular. With large radiating petals; 5 stamens, alternate with petals, anthers long ovate, dorsifixed, filaments slightly curved at tip; 1 pistil, ovary inferior, style slender, dichotomous at apex, stigma capitate. The fruit is nearly spherical, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, with 10 wavy primary ribs and 12 vertical secondary ribs. Flowering period is from April to July. Fruiting period is from July to September.

[Habitat distribution] It is cultivated in all parts of my country.

[Properties] The dried whole herb has leaves that curl and fall off, and are straw yellow in color; the stems are also withered, about 1 mm thick; the roots are curled and have a strong special fragrance. The best ones are green in color and have a strong aroma. It is produced in most parts of the country.

[Chemical composition] Contains 92-98 mg% of vitamin C, as well as decanal, nonanal and linalool.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy, warm.

[entry into meridians] Enters the lung and spleen meridians.

【Functions and indications】Induces sweat and relieves rash, helps digestion and relieves gas. Treats measles with slow outbreaks and food stagnation.

[Usage and Dosage] For internal use: decoct in water, 3-5 qian (1-2 liang for fresh); or mash into juice. For external use: decoct in water for fumigation or mash for application.

[Note] Do not take this medicine if the rash has already broken out, or if it has not yet broken out but heat and toxins are stagnant, and it is not caused by external wind-cold.

[Additional prescription] ① To treat rashes in children and make them come out quickly: 3 liang of coriander. Chop it into small pieces, add two large cups of wine, boil it until it boils, add coriander, and then seal it to prevent the gas from escaping. Wait until it cools down, remove the residue, and gently spray it from the neck down, to the back, feet, chest and abdomen. Do not spray it on the face. (Coriander wine from Shenghuifang)

【Discussions by various scholars】 ① "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Coriander is pungent, warm and fragrant. It can penetrate the heart and spleen internally and reach the limbs externally. It can ward off all unhealthy qi. Therefore, it can help those who have difficulty in getting pox. All sores are related to heart fire. The blood circulation is in the spleen. The qi of the heart and spleen can flow when it is fragrant, but it will be blocked when it is smelly. According to Yang Shiying's "Direct Prescriptions", if the pox is not getting better, it is appropriate to spray it with coriander wine to ward off bad qi. If the child is weak and the weather is cold and cloudy, it is a good idea to use this. If the child is strong and the weather is sunny and warm in spring and summer when the yang qi is strong, add wine yeast to help the abuse. Fire can increase fire. The heat in the stomach and the accumulation of toxic blood will turn it into a black pit. Be careful."

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】 From "Dietary Therapy Materia Medica"

Through the introduction of the above content, we can understand that the traditional Chinese medicine coriander plays a very important role in many aspects. Proper consumption of coriander has many benefits for our body.