Useful properties of cilantro and use in traditional medicine
Cilantro or Chinese parsley is a spicy herb with a rich taste and pleasant aroma, giving the first, second courses, side dishes and salads bright, piquant notes. Useful properties of cilantro have been known from time immemorial; it has a rich biochemical composition. Due to this, fragrant greens are widely used not only in the field of cooking, but also in folk medicine.
Description and composition of cilantro
Cilantro contains a complex of biologically active substances:
- vitamins of group A, B1, B2, B4, C, E, PP;
- micro- and macroelements - phosphorus, sodium, iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium;
- tannins;
- easily digestible carbohydrates;
- fatty acids - stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, myristic;
- bioflavonoids;
- vegetable fiber;
- pectins;
- alkaloids;
- essential oils.
The composition of spicy greens is dominated by vitamin and mineral elements, essential oils and organic fiber, and there is no cholesterol. The calorie content of the product is only 22 calories per 100 g.
Useful properties of cilantro
Due to its many beneficial properties, cilantro is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. In herbal medicine, not only greens are used, but also the seeds of the plant - coriander.
Medicinal properties of cilantro:
- It has an effective detoxifying effect, accelerating the elimination of toxic heavy metals and their salts from the body.
- Has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Strengthens the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to various viruses and infections.
- Normalizes blood pressure. Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of developing myocardial infarction.
- Has a mild disinfectant effect on the organs of the digestive system. Stimulates the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It activates intestinal peristalsis, helping to quickly solve the problem of constipation.
- Promotes effective brain activity, strengthens memory.
- Accelerates the recovery of the body after colds and other diseases.
- Improves visual acuity, reduces fatigue, redness and inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva.
- Disinfects the oral cavity. Effectively fights against pathogenic microorganisms and bad breath, stomatitis, caries.
- Improves the condition of the skin with eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other dermatological diseases.
Cilantro has a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system. Fragrant greens improve sleep and help relieve insomnia. Reduces feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Effectively fights stress and depression.
What are the beneficial properties of cilantro for men
Cilantro is indispensable for men's health. Regular consumption of dishes with the addition of fresh herbs or coriander helps fight many diseases:
- urolithiasis disease;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- prostatitis.
The aromatic spice stimulates blood circulation in the pelvic area, increasing and strengthening potency and improving erectile function.
The beneficial properties of cilantro allow it to be used as a natural "energy" - it increases the body's endurance, helping it to quickly recover after hard sports training or physical labor.
Spicy herbs for women
Regular consumption of cilantro is very beneficial for the female body, especially during critical days. Spicy herbs reduce the unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Decoctions and infusions of Chinese parsley alleviate the condition of a woman during menopause.
Cilantro has a hemostatic effect in case of heavy uterine bleeding, normalizes the menstrual cycle and improves the functioning of all organs of the reproductive system.
Fresh cilantro leaves orcoriander seedsra can be added to tea - this drink allows you to get rid of frequent headaches and chronic fatigue, increases tone, activity and gives a good mood, playing the role of a natural "energy".
Useful properties of cilantro for children
Cilantro is an invaluable source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for the full growth and development of a child's body. These biologically active substances can cause indigestion in babies, therefore, it is allowed to introduce cilantro into the children's diet only after 10-12 months.
Medicinal properties of cilantro for children:
- has an immunomodulatory effect, increasing the defenses of the child's body;
- disinfects the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, helping to fight helminthiasis;
- reduces stomach cramps and bloating;
- increases the effectiveness of drug therapy in the treatment of liver diseases;
- removes toxins and toxins from the child's body, which can cause intoxication;
- stops the blood from abrasions, wounds and cuts.
Cilantro can cause allergies in children. When skin redness, rashes, nausea, vomiting or disorder appear, this spice should be excluded from the children's diet.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Despite its tremendous health benefits, cilantro can cause serious harm during pregnancy. This spice stimulates uterine contractions, increases the risk of blood clots and spontaneous abortion. Therefore, in the first trimester, cilantro should be excluded from the diet.
In the second trimester, fragrant herbs can be consumed in minimal quantities, adding a pinch of cilantro to various dishes. But a pregnant woman should be careful not to eat the spice every day.
During the period of breastfeeding, the use of fresh cilantro is very useful, because it saturates the body of the mother and the newborn with useful substances. But greens can be included in the menu only if the child is not allergic.
Useful properties of cilantro for weight loss
Cilantro contains an increased amount of plant fiber, which stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes stool and speeds up metabolism. Due to this, aromatic greens are often included in many diets.
Regular use of the spice removes excess fluid from the body, helping to fight edema and accelerating the breakdown of fat cells.
In order to lose weight, it is enough to eat a small portion of fresh herbs - no more than 10-15 g at a time.
Cilantro in traditional medicine
In folk medicine, cilantro is used in the form of decoctions, infusions or alcoholic tinctures. They can be used both for internal use and for medical compresses and lotions.
Cooking cilantro infusion:
- rinse a bunch of fresh herbs thoroughly and chop finely;
- pour the raw materials into a glass jar and pour boiling water over a glass of boiling water for 1 teaspoon of chopped cilantro;
- leave the infusion to infuse for 24 hours.
The prepared infusion is recommended to be taken 3-4 tablespoons three times a day, 20-30 minutes before meals. This remedy is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, upset stools, vomiting, liver and kidney diseases.
With gout
With gout, cilantro should be completely eliminated from your diet. These greens contain a large amount of organic acids that can cause serious harm to the body. Therefore, with this disease, Chinese parsley is prohibited, regardless of the method of its preparation.
With gastritis
Cilantro for gastritis requires special care, since this product can bring both benefits and harm to the digestive system. The use of spices is allowed only in case of an illness with low gastric acidity and only during the period of remission.
With pancreatitis
Chinese parsley is one of the foods allowed for diseases of the pancreas. It contains essential oils and fatty acids, which gently envelop the mucous tissue of the gland.
Cilantro is allowed to be consumed only during the remission of pancreatitis - no more than 1-2 teaspoons per day. With an exacerbation of the disease, spicy greens must be abandoned.
In the treatment of diabetes
Cilantro is part of many folk remedies for the treatment of diabetes. These greens with a low glycemic index reduce blood glucose levels, accelerate the elimination of excess fluid, relieving swelling of the face and body.
Many diabetics face such a problem as obesity. Adding a fragrant spice to the daily menu improves the functioning of the digestive system and stimulates the metabolism, helping to maintain an optimal weight.
Cilantro recipes
Cilantro is used for both treatment and prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and other organs:
- Digestive disorders - grind a tablespoon of cilantro seeds in a mortar, cover with 4 cups of boiling water and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Take 200 ml three times a day, after meals.
- Caries, stomatitis, bad breath - chop dried cilantro greens, then pour ½ teaspoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Use for rinsing several times a day.
- Heartburn, bloating, belching, upset stools - pour 2 teaspoons of spice seeds with a cup of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 25-30 minutes. Filter and take a cup of infusion twice a day.
An alcoholic tincture of cilantro seeds is often used to improve the functioning of the nervous system, fight insomnia, nervousness, and depressive conditions. To prepare it, pour 2 tablespoons of seeds with 200 ml of vodka, tightly seal the container with liquid and leave to infuse for 14 days in a dark and dry place. Take the strained tincture 40-45 drops per day for 10 days.
Useful properties of cilantro in cosmetology
Cilantro is used not only in herbal medicine, but also in cosmetology. It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. It makes its color fresher, even and matte, relieves acne, enlarged pores and age spots.
Cilantro is made from:
- Refreshing and mattifying tonic - Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro with 2 cups of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 25-30 minutes. Use to rub your face in the morning and evening.
- Nourishing & Moisturizing Mask - Mix 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro with the same amount of yogurt, grind in a blender and apply to cleansed face and neck for 20-25 minutes.
- Mask for enlarged pores, acne and redness - Mix 2 teaspoons of chopped Chinese parsley with the same amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice, apply the mixture to cleansed skin and leave for 4-6 minutes.Rinse off the remaining mask with warm water.
Products with cilantro are no less useful for hair. They effectively fight dandruff and oily strands, nourish and strengthen weakened hair follicles, give the hair an attractive, healthy shine. Regular rinsing with broths and cilantro infusions maintain the color brightness and saturation of natural and colored hair.
To prepare a medicinal infusion for the health and beauty of hair, mix 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro with the same amount of fresh mint. Pour 8 cups boiling water over the mixture and cover. Leave the product to infuse for 25-35 minutes, then use to rinse the strands after washing.
Possible harm and contraindications
In some cases, the use of cilantro is prohibited or requires special care. Spicy herbs have a number of contraindications:
- exacerbation of gastritis;
- pancreatitis in the acute stage;
- coronary heart disease;
- arterial hypertension;
- thrombophlebitis, thrombosis;
- recovery period after a stroke or heart attack;
- individual intolerance.
The high content of essential oils and other biologically active substances in the composition of the spice often causes allergic reactions. They manifest in the form of itchy skin rashes, painful abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and upset stools.
Cilantro is a delicious, aromatic and extremely healthy spice that has found wide application not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. Fragrant greens have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects, improve the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, improve the condition of the skin and hair, give vigor and good mood. When using cilantro, you need to remember about moderation, since this plant has several contraindications and in excessive quantities can be harmful to health.