Essential Oil Spotlight: Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is steam-distilled from the seeds of a plant in the parsley family. This oil is known for its woody, spicy, and sweet aroma. Coriander essential oil contains analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, and stimulant health properties. Coriander most directly affects the digestive and hormonal systems.

Historically, coriander was used by the Chinese for dysentery, piles, measles, nausea, toothache, and painful hernias. Today, this essential oil is commonly used to help with cartilage injury, degenerative disease, muscle aches, muscle development, muscle tone, and whiplash.

Other uses for this essential oil include anorexia, arthritis, colds, colic, diarrhea, digestive spasms, dyspepsia, flatulence, flu, gout, infections, migraines, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism, and stiffness.

Application of Coriander Essential Oil and Safety Data:

Topical Application: Coriander essential oil can be applied neat (with no dilution) directly on location or to reflex points.
Aromatic Application: Aromatically, coriander is a gentle stimulant for those with low physical energy. It also helps one relax during times of stress, irritability, and nervousness. It may also provide a calming influence to those suffering from shock or fear.
Internal Application: This oil is recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA. Coriander also serves as a wonderful flavoring agent in many recipes.
Safety Data: Coriander should not be taken internally by children under the age of 6 and should be used with caution and in greater dilution for children 6 years and older.

Ways to Use Coriander Essential Oil:

1. Diffuse
With its powerful aromatic influence, coriander adds a nice touch to some of your favorite diffuser blends. Here are just a few diffuser blends you can try out!

 

2. Alzheimer’s
Diffuse a blend of 1 part coriander and 2 parts lemon using an aromatherapy diffuser for 15 minutes daily.

3. Cooking
Coriander essential oil can add an amazing flavor to any of your favorite meals. Here are some of our favorite recipes that use coriander essential oil!

4. Massage Oil
Coriander essential oil can help to improve circulation, so it can be very effective in a massage oil. For an invigorating massage, combine 1 oz. (25 ml) Sweet Almond Oil with 3 drops coriander, 3 drops frankincense, 2 drops lime, and 2 drops rose in a small bowl or 1 oz. bottle. Gently rub a small amount into your muscles.

Sources:
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 9th Edition, p. 56.
Organic Beauty with Essential Oil by Rebecca Park Totilo