Most people are familiar with the culinary use of coriander seed however, its medicinal use maybe less known. Coriandrum sativum, is a flowering plant of the Apiaceae family, also known as the carrot, celery, or parsley family. All parts of the plant are edible, but the leaves, seeds, and roots are probably the most widely consumed.

The “seed” is actually the dried fruit of the plant and is usually sold as dried whole or in a powdered form. Commonly found growing in South and Southwest Asia, the spice is also found in Southern Europe and in Northern Africa.

Constituents of the coriander seed have several important properties that work in the body, making it an effective medicine. These being:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-septic
• Fever reducing
• Immune boosting

Brews made from coriander seed is a very common and traditional treatment for ailments such as the common cold. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective fever reducer and pain reducer as well. Anti-septic properties are thought to kill bacteria and viruses, and perhaps is why many households have sworn its effectiveness in fighting covid during the global pandemic that has been raging since 2019.

How to prepare

For the most basic coriander brew you need only 3 ingredients:

• ¼ cup coriander seed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp honey

Wash and drain seeds. Lightly dry roast the seeds for about 5 minutes, put into a pan with the water and boil on med-low for about 10 minutes. Stain into a mug and sweeten with honey.

Other optional ingredients to add to the boiling seeds

• 2 slices ginger (highly recommended)
• Few black peppercorns (add to the roasting)
• Small piece cinnamon

Some other health benefits of coriander seed may include:

• help lower blood sugar; promotes production of insulin
• Rich in antioxidants
• lower risk of heart disease
• protect brain health (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis); reduce anxiety; improve memory
• protect gut health; promotes liver function and bowel movements; helps reduce bloating and IBS
• good for the skin
• lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol
• works against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
• helps in menstrual flow