How to Use Cilantro for Medical Purposes

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb that has been used for about 3,000 years. It has been used in funerals, spiritual rituals, cooking as well as medicine. Cilantro has tiny flowers ranging from white to mauve and red. The leaves are rounded toward the bottom of the stem and become more feathery on top. It is often referred to as Chinese parsley. The medical uses for cilantro range from aiding treatment of indigestion to pain for arthritis. Read on to learn how to use cilantro for medical purposes.

Things You'll Need

• Dried cilantro
• Mortar and pestle
• Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
• Breathable cloth (Muslin, linen and cotton)
• Towel or cloth
• Soap
• Water
• Teapot

Instructions

Cilantro Tea for Indigestion and Colic

1. Fill teapot with water.

2. Bring water to boil.

3. Steep crushed coriander leaves and seeds in hot water.

4. Allow to cool to desired temperature.

5. Drink a glass to ease indigestion. Make tea a bit weaker and give to children for ease of colic.

Poultice for Arthritis Pain

1. Crush desired amount of dried cilantro in mortar and pestle until it is a thin powder.

2. Add water in small increments until a thick paste is formed.

3. Lay out a clean cloth usually of muslin, linen, gauze or breathable cotton. The cloth should be big enough to cover the area.

4. Spread the paste over the cloth.

5. Clean desired area with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.

6. Place cloth on desired area.

7. Wrap clean cloth around poultice and fasten to keep secure.

Prevent Infections

1. To make use of cilantro's anti-viral and anti-fungal properties on open wounds first take some dried cilantro and crush it.

2. Sprinkle the crushed cilantro on the open wound.

3. Wash wound with soap and water.

4. Dry and bandage.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people chew on cilantro seeds to ease indigestion.

• You can use keep your poultice warm by using a heating pack.

• Always make sure wounds are cleansed with water and soap, if you sprinkle cilantro on a wound make sure the wound is clear of the leaf debris before bandaging it.