Linseed Oil

Your heart would skip a beat, if I say that about 72,000-96,000 deaths happen in the United States every year due to Omega-3 deficiency. (A Harvard Study on ““The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary Lifestyle and Metabolic Risk Factors.”)

Linseed-bannerLinseed also called as Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3, where 55% of Flaxseed oil is dominated with the presence of Omega-3. It is a fatty acid that helps in fighting against heart attacks, high blood pressure, increased levels of cholesterol, free radicals causing cancerous growths, stress, hypertension, weak immunity and more.

Known as Rudrapatni, Masruna, Kshama and Neela in Sanskrit, Flaxseed and its oil has been used for more than 5,000 years in Ayurveda for treating obesity, high blood pressure, excess cholesterol, arthritis, paralysis, bloating, wounds, neuralgia, hemorrhoids and constipation.

Purchase Linseed Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

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Chemical constituents and remedial properties of Linseed oil:

The oil of Flaxseed contains about 50% of alpha-linoleic acid along with oleic acid, p-coumaric acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, arachidic acid, cyanogenic glycosides, sitosterol, campesterol, phytosterols and linoleic acid.

Cardio-tonic, expectorant, nervine, antioxidant, immune stimulant, purgative, cicatrisant, analgesic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, demulcent, emollient, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and antifungal are the predominant remedial values of Flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed is rich in lignans, which contain antioxidant and plant estrogen qualities. Trusted sources state that Flaxseed has 75 – 800 times extra lignans than all other plant food varieties.

Omega-3 essential fatty acid is heading the health benefits of Flaxseed with its extremely beneficial effects on heart and its power to resist the incidence of cancerous tumors, discard toxins and bad cholesterol in the system.

According to the Flax Council of Canada, the nutritional profile of Flaxseed oil constitutes of Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 fatty acids and certain other healthy nutrients.

This report also states that Linseed contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium, about 29% of carbohydrates, 18% of protein and a massive 95% of fiber.

Historical uses and importance of Linseed and its oil:

Flaxseed has a rich history of being used since the ages of Acharya Charaka, the most trusted Ayurvedic philosopher and the author of Charaka Samhita, the pioneering Ayurvedic encyclopedia.

With Linum ustitissimum as its scientific name, Linseed is a limb of the plant family, Linaceae.

The most persuasive thing that I observed about Linseed is that the special Sanskrit names of this magical herb. Names like Rudrapatni, Uma, Parvati, Masruna, Suvarchala, Venu, Kshaumi, Kshama and Kshuma are all female names.

Among which Uma, Parvati and Rudrapatni exhibit absolute power and supremacy as all the three indicate the Indian Hindu Goddess Parvati Devi, the wife of Shiva, the Supreme God adorned as the ‘Transformer’ or the ‘Destroyer’.

This vivid long-established proof is more than enough to understand the glorious healing benefits and the dominance of Flaxseed in curing and benefitting mankind.

The book ’20,000 secrets of Tea’ by Victoria Zak quotes Flax as “Flaxseeds were used by the Greeks, mandated by law as a necessary food in the 8th century in France, and recommended by Gandhi.”

Warm poultice of Flaxseed oil has been prescribed in Ayurvedic remedies for treating eczema and certain other skin conditions. Ground Linseed (fresh paste) with cold water is an exceptional natural remedy for treating headache, poisonous insect bites and arthritis.

The traditional populace of India used Flaxseed to normalize the level of blood sugar and cholesterol with 1 tbsp of Flaxseed powder mixed with 10 ounce of water, especially in between meals to curb hunger and burn excess fat and cholesterol in regular intervals.

This is the right time to crack the difference between the terms ‘Linseed and Flaxseed’, while both these names denote the same seeds of the Linum ustitissimum plant, the distinction lies in its terms of usage.

Based upon a reliable source, the term ‘Flaxseed’ is used when it is meant for human use and ‘Linseed’ is used more for commercial or industrial purpose as an excellent paint binder and wood finish. This is just to help you understand better but to put in a nutshell ‘both Linseed and Flaxseed mean one and the same.’

Linseed and its cold pressed oil is also used as a vital ingredient in Ayurvedic medications like Sarshapadi Pralepa, topical remedy for lymph nodes and inflamed cyst conditions; Kolakulathadi Choornam, powder based medicine used in Ayurvedic powder massage called as Udvartana; Gojihwadi Kashaya is a tonic used in treating bronchitis, cough, fever and few other respiratory problems.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Linseed oil:

Ayurveda simply stands for the ‘Knowledge of life’, where Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge.

This noble healing system is more than 5000 years old and is the ‘Proud pioneer’ of all the medical sciences on earth including Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Aromatherapy, Allopathy, The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Siddha, Unani and Acupressure.

The beauty of Ayurveda lies in its trust that all things in the universe, including human beings are built with the 5 principal elements, known as Panchaboothas or Devanagari.

They are fire, air, water, space and earth. You’d be more than just amazed to know that each of these 5 elements stays behind as the constructive forces behind numerous functions of our body and the entire world.

Air governs functions of the respiratory, nervous, muscular and cardiac system. Earth is responsible for physical built-up including muscles, skin, cartilages, hair, nails, bones and tendons.

Water is present in the form of cytoplasm, blood, digestive acids and activities of the salivary glands. Fire is evident through metabolic functions, intellectual power, body temperature and vision. Ether or space is active in the abdomen, lungs, mouth, digestive passage and thorax.

These five elements institute the performance of the five senses, namely the sense of sound, smell, touch, taste and sight. It also controls the functions of the 7 primary elements called as Saptadhatus. They are blood, reproductive tissues, marrow, plasma, fat, bone and flesh.

Every person is made up of a unique individual constitution, Prakriti, which is a combination of 3 vital energies known as doshas. Doshas are nothing but an arrangement of 5 elements, pitta (fire + water), kapha (earth + water) and vata (space + air).

The character, physique, behavioral patterns and spiritual entitlement of an individual is determined by the predominant dosha. Perfect balance between doshas means perfect health and imbalance indicates illnesses.

Every Ayurvedic remedy aims at treating the individual in a unique manner and not just his/her illnesses. It aims at attaining Swasthya, means heartiness of the body, mind and spirit. Ayurvedic healing works with a vision of attaining longevity through healthy lifestyle practices, prevention of illnesses and self-realization.

Ayurvedic remedy prescribe herbal medications, Ayurvedic essential oils, yoga, Dinacharya or Ayurvedic routine, simple physical exercises, Panchakarma or cleansing technique, Pranayama or mindful breathing, meditation (connection with the Divine State) and prayers.

Flaxseed oil has been prescribed in Ayurveda for augmenting pitta and kapha dosha and for pacifying vata dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Linseed oil are:

Linseed-broucher1. Boosts up your immunity and strength – Balya:

Flaxseed oil is termed as Balya in Ayurveda for its effectiveness in enhancing immune power or the human body’s ability to withstand, guard and fight against the invasion of harmful foreign bodies and other disease causing infections.

With its rich presence of Omega-3 fatty acid, Flaxseed is one among those best natural alternatives for supporting the immune system, augmenting vigor, muscular strength and is highly recommended as ‘Comprehensive food for a body builder’.

Mensfitness.com recommends the use of Flaxseed as a part of one’s routine mainly for its rich fiber and protein and might help in maximizing one’s calisthenics in the gym.

The book ‘Ask the Guru’ by Dickens quotes Flaxseed as “Best body building food”. This is attributed to its improved presence of about 25 percent of essential amino acid proteins, which aids in building muscular potency and enormous strength that is indispensable for workouts and body building.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About 70 million American adults (29%) have high blood pressure – that’s 1 of every 3 adults.”

Many research studies have witnessed the efficiency of Flaxseed and its oil in lowering high blood pressure and treating headache, fatigue, anxiety and physical exhaustion associated with hypertension and increased blood pressure.

Massaging your system with 2 ounce of Flaxseed oil blended with 4 drops of Argan oil and 3 ounce of Sesame oil can help in augmenting your stamina, physical endurance, briskness, flexibility, disease resistance ability and the emotional authority to achieve your fitness funda.

Fortify your system with this massage everyday or once in 2 days, preferably before stepping into your gym.

2. Stimulates Agni or the digestive fire – Dipana:

Flaxseed, with a high substance of mucilage is an excellent laxative that aids in treating constipation by lubricating the digestive tract and can even treat chronic constipation effectively.

Victoria Zak in her book ’20,000 secrets of Tea’ says that the tea prepared with Flaxseed is a bulking laxative and is used in blends for rheumatism and intestinal cleansing.

Termed as Malakrut for its ability to increase the volume of faeces, Ayurveda states that Flaxseed and its oil have the potent to increase Agni or the digestive fire, responsible for spontaneous and trouble-free digestion, for which it is called as Dipana.

Massaging your abdomen with 5 drops of Flaxseed oil and 1 drop of Peppermint oil, stimulates the secretion of bile, gastric juices and digestive acids that help in supporting metabolic functions including digestion, absorption of nutrients in food and excretion of toxic remains in the system.

This assists in treating long term constipation, hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, irregular bowel syndrome, flatulence, bloating and heartburn.

3. Increases your brain power and treats brain-related disorders – Medhya:

Linseed and its oil are known as Medhya with the presence of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids that are used in enhancing the functions of human brain.

It is a proven fact that Omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable for normal development of brain and insufficiency of fatty acids may lead to the surfacing of neurologic dysfunctions.

A 2012 study onProtective role of Ashwagandharishta and flax seed oil against maximal electroshock induced seizures in albino rats by Ila R Tanna, Hetal B Aghera, BK Ashok, HM, Chandola, published in Pharmacological Research and Ayurjournal witnesses the effectiveness of Flaxseed oil and Ashwagandha in treating neuropsychological disorders like epilepsy, depression and anxiety.

This study concludes that Flaxseed oil and Ashwagandha are the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These natural medications have anti-stress and anxiolytic activities.

They work as “antidepressant by enhancing 5-HT neurotransmission and omega-3s promote transmission of the chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells and are associated with emotional stability (e.g., serotonin) and positive emotions.”

In addition, “it also affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which encourages synaptic plasticity, provides neuroprotection, enhances neurotransmission, and has antidepressant effects. Both Ashwagandharishta and flax seed oil are having antiepileptic activity; besides, they are having excellent anti-post-ictal depression effect.”

Adding 4 drops of Flaxseed oil with 2 drops of Ashwagandha oil in bath or in steam inhalation or in mild skin care creams and dabbing it on your temples, wrist and forehead might help in calming your nerves, soothing your senses, improve cognitive functions and help promote emotional steadiness with the secretion of positive hormones like serotonin.

Thus Flaxseed oil can assist in the treatment of depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, epilepsy and certain other bipolar health disorders.

4. Discards toxic remains and free radicals – Mutrala and Malakrut:

You might have come across the efficacy of Flaxseed oil in treating cancer and might have even doubted its worth. If you have heard it before, then you’ve heard it right.

Flaxseed/Linseed oil is extremely effective in guarding the system against the infestation of free radicals, toxic substances, salt, uric acids, fat and bad cholesterol.

If permitted these health demolishers may lead to the birth of cancer (skin cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer etc.,), rheumatic conditions, edema and arthritis.

The most influencing cancer fighting component in Flaxseed oil is phytochemical Lignans. It contains the richest antioxidant properties than any other plant derivatives and is approximately 800 times more than in other alternatives.

Various researches about Flaxseed in treating cancer have stated that lignans in Flaxseed protect the system from cancer by blocking enzymes that are responsible for hormone metabolism and pry with the spreading and growth of tumor cells.

An American study has proved that Flaxseed has about 27 anti-cancerous elements and it also has the power to treat ovarian cysts, menopausal symptoms and breast cancer with its power to block estrogen receptors.

Linseed oil has warming effects and massaging the painful parts with 5 drops of Flaxseed oil and 2 drops of Bay oil can assist in increasing the frequency and quantity of urination (for which it is called as Mutrala) through which the toxic substances, salt, fat, bad cholesterol and uric acid are eliminated.

By this way it treats inflammation, swelling, soreness, pain and redness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. It also supports the health of bones by enhancing the calcium absorption ability of the body.

The mention of Dr. Johanna Budwig and her power to treat various types of cancer with Flaxseed and cottage cheese is indeed a valuable information of all of us.

5. Supports heart health and treats diabetes – Hrudya, Medohara and Pramehaghna:

Medohara is the name attributed to the power of Linseed oil in regulating the metabolism of cholesterol and fat in the body.

Flaxseed has the ability to boost HDL or good cholesterol and reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides, whereas HDL has been held responsible for an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Flaxseed controls high blood pressure that augments the risk of serious health conditions like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disorders.

Fitzpatrick says “”Lignans in flaxseed have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup by up to 75%.” And several studies have revealed that the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in Linseed oil aids in checking the hardening of the arteries, prevent plaque from being settled in the arteries by controlling white blood cells from clinging to the inner linings of the blood vessels.

Called as Hrudya, Flaxseed oil has Omega-3 fatty acids that play a vital role in regularizing the functions of the heart and helpful in treating atherosclerosis, heart condition where blood clots or cholesterol clots is developed in the blood pipes; irregular heart beat or arrhythmia; stroke, cardiac arrest and ventricular arteriamia.

Flaxseed also assists in preventing the spikes in blood sugar, which happen after eating. Lignans also support in controlling the blood sugar level, thus helping in the treatment of diabetes for which it is called as Pramehaghna.

Massaging once in 2 days or twice in a week, advisably after work with 2 ounce of Linseed oil and 2 ounce of Coconut oil can help in regularizing your heart functions, dissolve HDL or bad cholesterol, liquefy blood clots in the blood vessels, reduce high blood pressure, regulate blood sugar and tranquilize your system for a healthier tomorrow.

You may even doubt whether a massage would be effective in treating heart problems??? Trust me; skin is the largest and permeable organ of the human body.

Massaging remedial oils on the skin aids in passing on the therapeutic properties of the oil to the bloodstream, by allowing deeper penetration of these oils.

Follow this massage with warm bath before going to bed… That’s it….. Everything else for a peaceful night and hearty day is all set…….

Other health benefits: Apart from these health benefits, Flaxseed oil is also helpful in treating Sjogren’s syndrome, benign prostate hypertrophy or enlarged prostate, hot flashes, eczema, acne, ringworm, clawed nails, Parkinson’s syndrome, wrinkles, dandruff etc.,

Flaxseed oil is used in Ayurveda as nasal drops (nasya), enema (basti chikitsa), ear drops (karna poorana), and of course Ayurvedic massaging (Abhyanga).

  1. Eat healthy and nutritious food.
  2. Ensure that you stick to a routine of simple physical exercises every day.
  3. Meditate or just close your eyes for about 10 minutes in a quiet place (reflecting and visualizing your vision).
  4. Practice balanced breathing or Pranayama (about 70 % of toxins are discarded through exhalation).
  5. Arm your mind with positive thoughts.
  6. Fulfill your duties to your family and society.
  7. Drink enough water.
  8. Smile even through adversities.

And that is what Ayurveda is all about…

It is more than enough to make your days more than just meaningful and rewarding……

Disclaimer:

This post is meant only for educational purposes and is not intended for treatment of any health condition or to substitute any prescribed medication or expert medical advice. None of us in Essential Depot are healthcare professionals and this article is shared only on the basis of spreading awareness on Ayurveda, the mother of all medical systems on earth and the oldest remedial science in the universe.

Essential oils are recommended only for topical application and are not advisable for ingestion. This is because 100 percent pure and organic oils are highly concentrated substances and may lead to allergic reactions when taken internally or used on the skin without appropriate dilution. Ensure that you use Linseed/Flaxseed oil only for topical use, sooner after a patch test on your skin.

Speak with your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before selecting the fitting essential oils for your Prakriti or unique individual constitution and Vikruti or current health condition. Consult your Doctor before using Flaxseed/Linseed oil on pregnant or nursing moms and on children.

Thought for the day:

You are naturally beautiful when you are YOURSELF.

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Healing Power of Flax: How Nature’s Richest Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Help to Heal, Prevent and Reverse Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes and Heart by N. D. Joier-Bey, Herb Joiner-Bey, N. D. Joiner-Bey
  2. Flax: The genus Linum (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  3. Flax Oil as a True Aid Against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer and Other Diseases, 3rd Edition by Dr. Johanna Budwig
  4. Flax for Life!: 101 Delicious Recipes and Tips Featuring Fabulous Flax Oil
    by Jade Beutler
  5. Flax Seed :The Ultimate Recipe Guide by Jonathan Doue M.D., Encore Books

Reference Links:

  1. Linseed oil by Wikipedia
  2. The health benefits of Flaxseed oil by Dr. Edward Group for Global Healing Center
  3. 6 reasons to never neglect Flaxseed by Mensfitness.com
  4. Protective role of Ashwagandharishta and flax seed oil against maximal electroshock induced seizures in albino rats by Ila R Tanna, Hetal B Aghera, BK Ashok, HM, Chandola, Department of Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vijnana, Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, published in Pharmacological Research, 2012 and Ayurjournal
  5. The Benefits of Flaxseed by WebMD

Coriander Oil Indian

Coriander is a divine herb that makes us feel the touch of nature’s magnificence with its tiny little seeds that possess mammoth benefits for various medical conditions including the chronic cancer and durable diabetes. Extracted from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant by steam distillation, organic Coriander essential oil is a proven natural remedy for treating migraine, arthritis, neurological inflammation, urinary tract infections, fever and indigestion.

Coriander is said to have its name etched in numerous Sanskrit texts dating more than 7000 years. This herb is known in Ayurveda as Dhanyaka or Dhaniya and is a member of the Ayurvedic family Shat pushpa. Coriander and its essential oil is also recommended in Ayurveda for relieving menstrual problems, fever, hepatitis C, parasitic worms, kidney disorders, mouth ulcers, high cholesterol level, colitis, urticaria, hay fever, loss of memory, rheumatism, impotence etc.,

Purchase Coriander Oil Indian – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Coriander and its essential oil: It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has been used throughout the history of various traditions both for culinary and medicinal purposes. It was prevalently used for indigestion, stomach ache, nausea and other gastrointestinal disorders.

The traditional Ayurvedic text, Sushruta Samhita states Coriander as Kustumvari and used it as a demulcent aid for treating thirst and burning sensation of the skin. It was initially blended with other aromatic herbs such as anise, caraway, cardamom, fennel and cumin and used in the treatment of numerous diseases. Coriander is known for its natural high content of volatile oils and was prescribed for treating cancer, skin conditions, blood impurities, liver disorders and sore throat.

The primordial Romans used Coriander seeds and its leaves for preserving and flavoring meat and meat products. This is mainly due to the antioxidant property that curbs animal fats from becoming rancid and the effectiveness of Coriander in combating meat-ruining fungi and bacteria. These concrete reasons make the use of Coriander leaves and seeds in the preparation of various lip-smacking cuisines across the world even in this contemporary world.

Chinese believe that Coriander disciplines the Qi or the vital life energy. Certain herbal texts of the Han Dynasty quote Coriander as a powerful herb for making humans immortal. The Traditional Chinese Medicine used this herb for treating hernia, piles, dysentery, flatulence, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, stomach pain, nausea and measles.

The powder extracted from the seeds was also used in treating worms in children. Greeks used Coriander for supporting weight loss, weak memory and impotence. The Iranian folklore medicine use Coriander for relieving insomnia and anxiety in women.

In the modern medicinal practice, Coriander has been used as a vital part of the dietary intervention program for regulating deficiency of vitamin A in children. It is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in FDA (Food and Drug Administration, United States). The German Commission E approves Coriander as a natural aid for treating gastrointestinal conditions like loss of appetite and dyspepsia.

Remedial properties and chemical constituents of Coriander essential oil: The major chemical components responsible for its healing values are cineole, coriandrol, borneol, cymene, terpineol, geraniol, camphor, anethole, carvone, pinene, dipentene, terpinolene, phellandrene and linalool. The therapeutic benefits of Coriander essential oil are carminative, aphrodisiac, digestive, antispasmodic, lipolytic, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, stimulant, deodorant, alterative, depurative, diuretic, fungicidal, stomachic and diaphoretic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Coriander essential oil: Ayurveda, the complete healing system considers that health is based on its three pillars including the physical health, mental health and a healthy soul. With this concept as its chief belief, Ayurvedic remedies aim at treating the root cause of the illnesses by prescribing herbs, Ayurvedic essential oils, yoga, simple physical exercises, Ayurvedic routine, Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massaging), prayers and meditation. It paves way for attaining longevity through healthy aging and prevention of illnesses.

The matchlessness of Ayurveda lies in its methodology of treating sicknesses in a unique manner for every individual as it trusts that every person is a unique part of nature with a specific individual constitution that comprises of three vital biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas represent the five elements of nature, which every creation on earth is trusted to be built with. They are fire, water, earth, space and air.

Vata energy is a combination of space and air and is responsible for circulation, respiration, movement and nervous functions of the body. Pitta dosha is a representation of fire and water and it controls all kinds of metabolic functions including digestion, absorption and elimination.

Kapha symbolizes earth and water and is in charge of muscular development and fluid retention in the body. Every human being has a unique combination of these three doshas with a predominance of any one dosha, which determines the personality, character and behavioral attributes.

Balance between these three doshas indicates absolute state of health and imbalance due to lifestyle, food habits and other environmental changes causes illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies are prescribed in such an efficient manner that brings back the perfect rhythm between the doshas in accordance with the individual’s prakriti (constitution) and medical condition.

Coriander Oil Indian is known to have a positive effect on all the three doshas and helps maintain optimal levels by acting as an excellent suppressant. Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Coriander essential oil by its usage methods.

1. As an exceptional Ayurvedic massage oil or bath oil: The art of Ayurvedic massaging is called as Abhyanga, where the palms, feet, elbows and other traditional massaging equipments are used for maneuvering muscles, nerves and the entire human system.

By using Ayurvedic essential oils in massaging, this traditional healing methodology ensures that the therapeutic properties of the essential oils are passed on to the blood stream by penetrating through the skin cells and thus transmitting the corresponding healing benefits to various parts of the body.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Coriander oil blended with 5 ml of sesame oil helps in alleviating muscular pain, arthritis, rheumatic pain, stomach ache, indigestion, vomiting, flatulence, heartburn and other digestive problems.

a) Eases digestive disorders: Coriander oil has carminative, stomachic and digestive properties that stimulate the process of metabolism and influence proper secretion of bile, gastric juices and other acids responsible for trouble-free digestion. This oil improves digestion by regulating pitta dosha, which is responsible for digestion and other metabolic functions. It helps in relieving gas built-up in the stomach and intestines and it also prevents the formation of gas. English Herbalist John Gerard wrote, “Coriander seeds well prepared and covered with sugar as comfits, taken after meat, helpeth digestion”

According to the 2009-10 report by the Food Standards Agency, about 1 million people in the UK are suffering from food poisoning, contributing to 500 deaths and around 20,000 cases requiring medical care. Recent researches have proved that the use of Coriander oil helps in fighting against harmful bacteria causing food poisoning and other infections in the stomach and intestines.

A 2011 study on the combating effect of Coriander oil against 12 bacterial strains were tested in the lab, including Bacillus cereus, E. coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Salmonella enteric by Dr. Fernanda Domingues and her team from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal. This study witnessed that 1.6% or less than that quantity of Coriander oil killed or reduced the growth of all the harmful bacteria tested. It also discards parasites in the body.

Dr. Domingues also said that “Coriander oil damages the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell. This disrupts the barrier between the cell and its environment and inhibits essential processes including respiration, which ultimately leads to death of the bacterial cell. ‘It could become a natural alternative to common antibiotics.” She also said that Coriander oil can be used in lotions or oral rinses for treating food poisoning and fighting against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.

b) Discharges toxic substances from the body: Coriander essential oil has diuretic, analgesic, depurative and antioxidant properties that assists in eliminating harmful toxic substances or ama from the body along with excess salts, uric acids and cholesterol in the blood by promoting the frequency and quality of urination. By this way it reduces inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

c) Controls diabetes and the level of cholesterol: Numerous studies have proved the effectiveness of Coriander and its essential oil in controlling the levels of cholesterol, especially the bad cholesterol like VLDL or LDL and increased the level of HDL (good cholesterol).

Coriander has also been suggested in controlling blood glucose levels and regularly checks the process of glucose getting converted into glycogen, causing diabetes. A 2011 study on ‘Antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extract’ published in PubMed states “C. sativum seeds not only possess antihyperglycemic properties but antioxidative properties also. Increased dietary intake of coriander seeds decreases the oxidative burden in diabetes mellitus.”

d) Lessens menstrual pain and excess flow: Massaging your lower abdomen with 2 drops of Coriander oil mixed with 1 ml olive oil helps in regulating excessive menstrual flow and alleviates dysmennorhea or severe menstrual pain. The Arabians used Coriander for lessening menstrual pain and pain during childbirth.

e) Natural aphrodisiac: Coriander oil is also an excellent aphrodisiac that has been used in various traditions across the world. It is also mentioned in the famous Arabian tale, ‘A Thousand and One Nights’ as an effective aphrodisiac for arousing sexual passion naturally. This quality is attributed to the presence of phyto-estrogen content in Coriander seeds. Using it in massage, followed by a warm bath with 2 drops of Coriander oil diluted in bathing water preferably before going to bed can aid in enhancing the libido, treat frigidity in men and women, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunctions.

2. In burners or vaporizers: Coriander essential oil has a sweet, warm and slightly spicy aroma that instills a positive effect on the blood, plasma and the nervous system. Adding 2 to 3 drops of Coriander oil in burner, vaporizer or diffuser helps in refreshing the mind, regenerating the glandular system, treat mood fluctuations, improve memory power, lessen anxiety, mental fatigue, nervous weakness, tension, loss of sexual interest and lack of concentration.

Inhaling the remedial aroma of this oil is said to create a warming effect on the stomach and intestines and ease cramps and spasms. It uplifts the spirit and boosts the confidence level. Coriander oil permits more spiritual bonding to pass through the body and helps expanding the heart chakra, responsible for love and affection for self and others.

3. In steam inhalation: Coriander essential oil is known for lessening excess of kapha dosha, which is in charge of respiratory problems like cold, cough, sinusitis and nasal congestion. 2 drops of Coriander oil added to steam inhalation can be a great aid in alleviating cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, cold and sinusitis. It is also helpful in reducing the temperature especially with conditions like hay fever along with the massage of 1 drop of Coriander oil mixed with 1 ml of coconut oil in the foot soles.

4. In compresses, creams or oral rinses: 2 drops of Coriander oil mixed with 1 ml of jojoba oil or mild skin care cream or lotion and applied on the affected parts helps in clearing pimples, blackheads, athletes foot, ringworm and acne with its anti-bacterial and  fungicidal properties. Adding 1 drop of Coriander oil in a cup of warm water and used as an oral rinse assists in treating bad breath, plaque and discards harmful micro-organisms in the mouth. Using 2 drops of Coriander oil in hot or cold compress helps in treating muscular spasms, joint pain, migraine and arthritis.

Coriander seed oil has been proved and published in the European Food Safety Authority Journal as a safe and novel food ingredient, where the committee concluded stating “the novel food ingredient, coriander seed oil, is safe under the proposed uses and use levels.” The book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Bryan Miller and Light Miller quotes Coriander oil as “an antidote to hot food, very decongesting to the liver, and is a great reducer of fire and heat in the body. It is thought to be an aphrodisiac because of its phyto-estrogen content. It’s also a carminative, stimulating digestion.”

Disclaimer: This is only for the purpose of information and is not intended to substitute any prescribed medicines or professional medical advice. Pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause harm if used directly on the skin, so it always good to dilute essential oils before topical use. Never take essential oils internally without consulting your Ayurvedic practitioner and upon his/her expert advice, choose the most appropriate essential oil for your prakriti (unique individual constitution) and medical condition. Please avoid this oil during pregnancy.

Thought for the day:

Every Flower Is A Soul Blossoming In Nature.     -Gerard De Nerval

Suggested Reading:

  1. Coriander – Coriandrum Sativum L. by Axel Diederichsen, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
  2. The 50 Miracle Cures of Coriander by Dr. Awad Mansour
  3. Protective Effect of Cumin and Coriander on Profenofos: Antidote effect of Cumin and Coriander by Arun Kumar, Ranjit Kumar, Mohammad Ali
  4. Cumin & Coriander: A celebration of everyday North Indian cooking by Archana Nirad
  5. The Miracle Cures Of Diabetes: How To Beat Your Diabetes For Good by Prof Awad Mansour

Reference Links:

  1. Antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extract’ by Anuradha CV and Deepa B, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, India, published in PubMed
  2. The natural remedy for superbugs? Coriander oil could be used to cure food poisoning and MRSA by Health column in Daily mail UK
  3. Medicinal Uses of Coriander by Natural Standard, the Authority on Integrative Medicine
  4. Scientific Opinion on the Safety of ‘Coriander Seed Oil’ as a Novel Food Ingredient published in the European Food Safety Authority Journal