Coriander

Origin: Western Asia and southern Europe

Family: Apiaceae
Subfamily: Apioideae
Tribe: Coriandreae
Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum

Folk Names: Cilantro, Chinese parsley, dhania

Magical

Element: Fire
Day: Tuesday
Planet: Mars
Zodiac: Aries
Deities: Aphrodite/Venus

Parts used: Leaves, seeds

Magical Properties: Health, love, sexuality, vitality

Magical Uses

• Add coriander seeds to mulled wine to encourage love and lust.

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Seeds
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 62°C

Scent Type: Spicy
Perfume Note: Middle
Scent Description: Warm, spicy, slightly woody

Aromatherapeutic Use

Coriander oil is uplifting/revitalising and assists in clearing fatigue and nervous tension.

Blends well with: Citrus, frankincense, ylang-ylang

Warnings:

• Be cautious with use around pregnancy.
• Sensitising: should be used in moderation, and not for more than 2 weeks consecutively.

Botanical

Type: Herb
Plant Height: up to 60cm
Leaves: Broad, lobed at the base, slender and feathery up the stem
Flowers: Small umbels of white flowers, with longer petals towards the outside of the umbel
Fruit: Hard, round fruits 3-5mm in diameter

Etymology: From the Ancient Greek koriandron, due to its smell being associated with bedbugs (koris)

In the Garden

Type: Annual
Sow: Early spring to late autumn
Light: Semi-shade
Water: Deep damp
Soil: Well-draining

Companion Planting: Basil, mint, potato. Do not plant coriander with fennel.

Tips:

• Plant in final position, as the seedlings rarely survive transplanting.
• Coriander will quickly bolt to seed if stressed, including if allowed to dry out too much.