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.