The health benefits of coriander

 

 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual plant that belongs to the parsley family, originates from South Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Cultivation of coriander started 2000 years BC. Coriander was one of the many plants cultivated in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It was popular and often consumed in the ancient Egypt and Greece. Coriander is still one of the most widely used spices in the world. It grows best in cool areas on a well-drained soil.

The health benefits of coriander:

·       Indigestion and diarrhea - Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as borneol and linalool, aid in digestive organs (spleen, pancreas, stomach), proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components like cineole, borneol, limonene, alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene have antibacterial effects.

·        Mouth ulcers - Coriander's anti-septic properties help to cure mouth ulcer and improve oral health.

·        Anemia – Coriander contains high amounts of iron, which is essential for curing anemia. Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in cognitive functions. Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ systems, increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.

·       Urinary tract infections - The antibacterial properties of coriander can help to clear out harmful bacteria.

·       Prevents nausea - Two very powerful antioxidants can be found in coriander seeds: linalool and geranyl acetate. These oils work to relieve digestive issues and soothe your stomach, alleviating or prevent nausea and vomiting.

·        Anorexia – Coriander increased appetite.

·       Menstrual disorders - Coriander seeds helps with irregular periods.

·       Skin disorders - The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

·       Smallpox - The essential oils in coriander are rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infectious and detoxifying components and acids. The presence of vitamin-C and iron strengthens the immune system as well.

·       Bone health – Calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander are integral components of bone regrowth and durability, as well as in the prevention of bone degradation so commonly associated with debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Coriander contains anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is good against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

·        Analgetic properties - Coriander may also be used in treating muscle pain, headaches and stiffness. Because of its heating and analgesic effect, this plant is used to treat athritis, painful joints and rheumatism. The high content of bioflavonoids from the leaves helps in treating varices and hemorrhoids.

·        Reduce blood pressure -Interaction of calcium ions and cholinergic (acetylcholine) relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby reducing the chances of a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.

·        Control of blood sugar, Cholesterol and Free Radical Production –Coriander is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol. Its deep-green leaves possess good amounts of antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which may help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" levels in the blood.

·        Eye care - Dietary carotenoids can decrease the risk of numerous conditions, including several cancers and eye disease, due to their role as antioxidants.² A study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition showed that basil and coriander contained the highest levels of the carotenoids beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, all known for their antioxidant abilities.¹ It's a good remedy in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

·       Anticancer effects - A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that common spices - including coriander - can inhibit heterocyclic amine (HCA) formation in meats during cooking. HCAs, defined by the National Cancer Institute, are chemicals formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures.¹ A high consumption of foods containing HCAs is associated with higher risk of cancer. These anticancer effects were demonstrated further in a different study published in the Journal of Food Science, in which five Asian spices, including coriander, were used to cook meats. The meats cooked with those spices had a significant decrease in HCA formation.¹

·        Reduce fever - Coriander has a diuretic effect and can reduce fever.

·        Promote nervous system - Vitamin K is good for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It can stimulate the memory.

·        Stimulant - The essential oil in coriander is believed to stimulate creativity, optimism and imagination. Recent studies have shown that coriander can cause a mild euphoria.

·        Increase breast milk flow - Coriander is reported to be a galactogogue (a substance used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding moms) and is used in many teas and supplements that are marketed to nursing mothers.

·        Fighting salmonella - Coriander contains an antibacterial compound.

·        Prevents hair loss – Coriander has antioxidants that free radicals. Free radicals damage cells, including hair cells. By stopping the damage to these cells, coriander encourages fuller, thicker hair to grow.

·        The fat soluble vitamin A and antioxidant protects from lung and cavity cancers.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database1, two tablespoons of ground coriander seed contain 30 calories, 1.2 grams of protein, 1.8 grams of fat, and 5.6 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber and 0 grams of sugar). That same 2 tablespoon serving provides 68% of your daily vitamin K needs, 10% of iron, 8% of calcium, and 4% of vitamin C.

 

Coriander herb contains:

·        Essential volatile oils - carvone, geraniol (geranyl acetate), limonene, borneol, camphor, elemol , linalool (can help detoxify the liver and increase the appetite), cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene, and terpinolene.

·        Anti-oxidant polyphenolic flavonoids - quercitin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and epigenin.

·        Active phenolic acid compounds -including caffeic and chlorogenic acid (neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous system, more commonly known as acetylcholine)

·        Vitamin C – with iron strengthens the immune system and relieves pain. 100 g of coriander leaves provide 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin-C.

·        Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

·        Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

·        Niacin (Vitamin B3)

·        Folic-acid (Vitamin B9)

·        Iron - essential for red blood cell production.

·        Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid)

·        Vitamin K - a potential role in bone mass building through promotion of osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.

·        Carotenoids (beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin) - Fresh coriander leaves are a rich source of carotenoids which have antioxidant activity.

·        Calcium

·        Phosphorous

·        Potassium - an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

·        Manganese - used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

·        Coumarin compounds in coriander such as umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) may have blood-thinning properties. Therefore Warfarin and coriander should not be taken together.

There are three forms of coriander:

·         the seed (coriander)

·         the leafy herb (cilantro)

·         the oil (pressed from the seed) 

Coriander herb provides (% of RDA/100g):

•  15% of folates,
•  11% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
•  45% of vitamin C,
•  225% of vitamin A,
•  258% of vitamin K,
•  22% of iron and
•  18% of manganese.

(Note: RDA-Recommended daily allowance).

1/ Today's Dietitian, Adding spice for a healthier life - evidence shows antioxidant-rich herbs and spices may cut chronic disease risk, accessed 12 September 2015.

2/ The role of carotenoids in human health, EJ Johnson, Nutrition In Clinical Care, published online March 2002, abstract.

Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.

  

Nasturtium - a broad spectrum antibiotic and antifungal

Nasturtium (Indian cress, lat. Tropaeolum majus) was first introduced from Peru to Europe in the 1600s. It was used as a medicinal plant for a long time in South America.

Nasturtium is an easy-to-grow annual whose leaves and flowers are edible. It can act both as a disinfectant and a healing agent, and all parts of the plant seem to have strong antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. These orange, yellow, and red flowers are sweet and tangy, yet peppery and spicy flavor.

Nasturtiums are actually fabulous plants. They are ridiculously easy to grow, and you can eat their colourful flowers, leaves and seeds.

In addition to its wonderful flavor, the nasturtium plant is a rich source of immunity-boosting vitamin C and is reputed to contain an herbal equivalent of penicillin, which helps the body fight off infection.

It is excellent for treatment of urinary tract infections, swollen airways, cough, cold, bronchitis, influenza and influenzal pneumonia. It helps in the treatment against 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus. It is far safer than orthodox antibiotics as it produces no resistance or allergy.

Nasturtium can be applied directly to the skin for mild muscular pain and to treat minor scrapes and cuts.  It also works against various fungal infections, including yeast infection.

The dried ripe buds have a strong laxative effect and unlike many conventional germicides, nasturtium will not damage the intestinal flora.

Nasturtium has a reputation for promoting the formation of red blood cells, and it’s been used in folk medicine as a remedy against scurvy.

The herb has been used as a remedy for hair loss and to stimulate hair growth.

The main substances found in Nasturtium:

·         Glucosinolates - Plants producing large amounts of glucosinolates are under basic research for potential actions against cancer.

·         Mustard oil - has high levels of both Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and Erucic acid.

·         Flavonoids - anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), anti-cancer, and anti-diarrheal activities

·         Carotenoids

·         Vitamin C

Nasturtium Tincture:

Finely chopped flowers and leaves put into a small bottle and pour with alcohol (60%), close it , store it in a dark place for 3-4 weeks and sometimes shake with it.

Dosage -  3 x day 20 drops for adult, 5-10 drops for children into a hot tea.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions of Nasturtium

Nasturtium contains mustard oil and when used topically can cause skin irritation.

Long term intake of Nasturtium may reduce fertility.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this herb. People with kidney diseases or ulcers of the stomach or intestinal tract should not use this herb in any form either.

Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.

  

True Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is the right choice

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum. 4 types or varieties of Cinnamon are used for commercial purposes. These are True Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka, Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) from China, Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Loureiroi) from Vietnam and Korintje Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Burmanni) from Indonesia.

The warming spice cinnamon has been valued for its culinary, medicinal, and natural preservative powers since ancient times. First described by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine, circa 2800 BC, ancient Egyptians used cinnamon as part of the mummification process.

Cinnamon contains:

Cinnamaldehyde- gives cinnamon its flavor and odor. Anti-inflammatory. The essential oil of cinnamon bark is about 98% cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamyl alcohol - has a distinctive odour and is used in perfumery and as a deodorant.

Cinnamic acid - is used in flavors, synthetic indigo, and certain pharmaceuticals.

Eugenol – is used in perfumes, flavorings, and essential oils. It is also a local antiseptic and anaesthetic. Eugenol is hepatotoxic, meaning it may cause damage to the liver.

Safrole - The European Commission on Health and consumer protection assumes safrole to be genotoxic and carcinogenic.

Coumarin – Coumarin is a phytochemical which has demonstrated hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties in animal-based studies. Based on this the European Food Safety Authority established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin of 0.1 mg/kg body weight.

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) only contains low levels of coumarin which in the opinion of the BfR are safe in terms of their health effects. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) contains higher levels of coumarin. For this reason, it is not advisable to consume large quantities of it over prolonged periods of time. Coumarin might causes liver damage although the effects are apparently reversible.

% Coumarin by Species:

Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon) - 0.017 g/kg

Cinnamomum cassia - 0.31 g/kg (18 x C. verum)

Cinnamomum burmannii - 2.15 g/kg (126 x C. verum)

Cinnamomum loureiroi - 6.97 g/kg (410 x C. verum)

 

Unfortunatelly most of spice with Cinnamon at shops is coming from Cassia Cinnamon or the origin is even not written on the label.

 

Health benefits:

Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties - Cinnamon kill E. coli and many other bacteria. Prevent  urinary tract infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. Cinnamon is natural antibiotic.

Calm Inflammation -Anti-inflammatory compounds help relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints due to arthritis. Chronic inflammation plays a major role in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis.

Boost Brain Function – Cinnamon improves virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed. Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin have an inhibitory effect on the aggregation of a particular protein called tau. Tau plays a large role in the structure and function of neurons, it can begin to accumulate, forming "neurofibrillary tangles" that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Both compounds were found to protect tau from oxidative damage that can lead to dysfunction.

Diabetes support, helps with blood sugar control - Cinnamon reduces blood glucose concentration and enhances insulin sensitivity.

Support Weight Loss - Cinnamon is effective in moderating postprandial glucose response, the amount of sugar in your blood after a meal and have a favorable impact on hunger and weight gain.

Soothea Sore Throat or Cough – Cinnamon is antibacterial, in traditional Chinese medicine used for chesty wet cough.

Anti-Cancer - The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon appears to suppress colon cancer cells and may also be effective against human liver cancer cells.

Source of fiber, manganese and calcium

Relieve Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)- Cinnamon aromatherapy along with rehabilitation can significantly reduced symptoms.

Blood thinner - Cinnamon thins blood. This blood thinning properties are particularly high in Cassia Cinnamon, while Ceylon Cinnamon does not seem to thin your blood. This blood thinning property of Cassia Cinnamon helps it in acting as an anti clotting agent especially for those suffering from heart disease. However care must be taken to NOT to take it with other blood thinning medication (f.e.warfarin).

Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.