HERBAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS - 32. Coriandrum sativum (Coriander)

Coriandrum sativum (coriander; family, Umbelliferae) is a wellknown herb, native to Europe and Western Asia and cultivated throughout theworld including Pakistan. In addition to its culinary value, coriander is known for its wide range of healing properties. It is generally used in gastrointestinal complaints such as anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, griping pain and vomiting. Coriander fruit is also reputed as refrigerant, tonic, diuretic and aphrodisiac, while, the oil is considered useful in flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, etc. Coriander is also used as antiedemic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, emmenagogue, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipolytic and myorelaxant, and possess nervesoothing property.