Cilantro
All about Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum L.
Basic Information
The therapeutic and culinary uses of Cilantro have been documented for centuries. Cilantro’s culinary uses are endless, adding a flavorful twist to meats, salads, dips, and guacamole. Cilantro contains antioxidants known to protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. Cilantro promotes healthy digestion and acts as a powerful cleanser and detoxifier for the body’s systems. Applied topically, Cilantro is very soothing and cooling to the skin, and it adds a fresh, herbal aroma to any essential oil blend when diffused.
Introduction
- Plant Part: Leaf
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aromatic Description: Fresh, herbal, sweet, pungent
- Main Chemical Components: Decenal, Dodecenal
Usage
- Aromatic: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
- Topical: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
Main Function
- Use topically or internally can aids digestion, ease the diarrhea, ingestion and gas.
- Rich in antioxidants. Powerful cleanser and detoxifier.
- Cleans the blood of toxins and remove heavy metals from body.
- Relieves nervous cramps, convulsions, and generally relaxes your body and mind
- Gives food a fresh and tasty flavor
- Soothing to the skin
Application
- Take daily during a body cleansing regimen.
- Diffuse with citrus essential oils for a fresh, herbal aroma.
- Apply one to two drops to minor skin irritations.
- Place a few drops of Cilantro oil into a diffuser to help deodorize any room and dissipate the unpleasant aromas in the air.
- Use Cilantro essential oil internally after big meal to assist with digestion and avoid the lingering effects of that “stuffed” state.
- Add to stir fries, salads, and dips to experience Cilantro’s distinct flavor and internal health benefits.
Cautions
If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using essential oils topically or aromatically.
Plant Science
Analgesic
- Animal research suggests that linalool, a major constituent of cilantro essential oil, when administered orally (100 mg/kg), has an analgesic effect in rats. The effect, while subtle, is also seen when the administered by inhalation. The effect was seen to reverse with naloxone, an opioid antagonist.(1,2)
- In vitro research suggests that linalool, a major constituent of cilantro essential oil, reduced nitric oxide formation. Reduced nitric oxide is thought to reduce the perception of pain.(3)
Anti-Microbial
- In vitro research suggests that cilantro essential oil may be effective against Leishmania donovani.(4) L. donovani is a parasite prevalent in tropical locations.
- In vitro research suggests that cilantro essential oil may be effective against Acinetobacter baumannii. A. baumannii is a pathogen that infests surfaces of hospital equipment.(5)
- In vitro research suggests that cilantro essential oil may be effective against Listeria monocytrogenes. L. monocytrogenes is bacteria responsible for food borne illness.(6)
- In vitro research suggests that cilantro essential oil may be effective against Candida albicans. C. albicans is a fungus used as a model organism.(7)
Anti-Oxidant
In vitro research suggests that cilantro essential oil is a strong antioxidant.(8)
Detox
Animal research suggest Coriandrum sativum (Chinese parsley) can prevent localized lead deposition in ICR mice (9)
Relaxation
Human clinical research (n=24) indicates that inhalation of linalool, a major constituent of cilantro oil, for five minutes increased self-reported calmness and decreased heart rate.(10)