Botanical Name:Coriandrum sativum.
Origin: Rusia.
The essential oil from this ancient herb has a place in aromatherapy, as it helps to ease the mind and fight fatigue, while it warms and calms the digestive system, relieves rheumatism and arthritic pain, muscular spasms and detoxifies the body.
Oil properties: Coriander oil has a sweet, spicy, warm smell, is nearly colorless to pale yellow and has a watery viscosity.
Origin of coriander oil: The annual or biennial plant is a native of Morocco and grows to about 1 meter in height. It has sparse, fine, feathery leaves and pinkish/white flowers, which are followed by green seeds.
The leaves, when crushed, give off an unpleasant odor like squashed bugs. The Greek name 'Koris' (for bug) is the root word for Coriander.
The seeds have been used for thousands of years by the Egyptians, as an aphrodisiac (with seeds even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun) and by the Romans and Greeks to flavor their wines, while the Indians use it in their cooking.
The Carmelite order in France used the seeds to flavor their 17th century toilet water. It is still used in Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueurs.
Extraction: Coriander oil is extracted from the crushed ripe seeds by steam distillation and yields 0.8 - 1.0 % oil.
Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of coriander oil are analgesic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, deodorant, digestive, carminative, fungicidal, lipolytic, stimulant and stomachic.
Chemical composition: The main chemical components are borneol, linalool, cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene and terpinolene.
Precautions: No contra-indications are known, but the oil can have a stupefying effect when used in very large doses.
Uses: Coriander oil can be useful to refresh and to uplift the mind. It can help for mental fatigue, migraine, tension and nervous weakness. It has a warming effect on the stomach and relieve wind and cramps, while revitalizing the glandular system.
It is helpful for alleviating rheumatism and arthritis pain, as well as muscle spasms and is useful with colds and flu. It also acts as a general cleanser of the body, to rid it of toxins and fluid wastes.
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Vapor therapy or burner: In vapor therapy, coriander oil can stimulate the mind and ease fatigue, while assisting with eating disorders and improving appetite.
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Diluted in a bath or ingredient in massage oil: Diluted in the bath, or as part of a massage oil, coriander oil can help assist the digestive system, ease rheumatism and arthritis pain and muscular spasm, while detoxifying the body.
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In a cream or lotion: As part of a cream or lotion, coriander oil can help with tension, mental fatigue, migraine, muscle spasms, arthritis and rheumatism pains and digestive problems, but should be used with care, as it may irritate some individual's skin.
Coriander oil blends well with: Although most essential oils blend well together, coriander oil blends particularly well with bergamot, cinnamon, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, neroli and orange.
Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only.
