Coriander Seed

Coriander seed is derived from an annual herb known as Coriandrum sativum and it is actually the typical term that is used to refer to the tiny ribbed brown fruit of this herb. For many centuries, the bright and delicate green leaves of this herb are applied as a form of culinary herb, hence coriander seed is also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley.

The coriander seed is basically indigenous to the Mediterranean Europe and West Africa. Now, it is widely cultivated in many countries especially those with temperate climates. In the ancient times and till now, the coriander seed is commonly applied as a flavoring especially to a variety of commercial foods, specifically frozen dairy desserts, beverages, puddings, and candies. And it is reported that the pleasing aromatic oil of the coriander seed is a typical ingredient applied in lotions, perfumes, as well as in creams.

But coriander seed is more than just a flavoring and a spice used in cooking. It has several medicinal benefits and it greatly promotes natural healing. Historically, in the ancient Greece, later in Great Britain, Rome, China, and India, the coriander seed is greatly used by some healers. It is particularly applied in traditional medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

The coriander seed is also used in the traditional healing practice in India known as Ayurvedic medicine as it is mixed with the cardamom seed and caraway. In fact, some of the traditional European healers and herbalists prepared it along with caraway, fennel, and anise seeds.

The coriander’s oil which usually taken from the coriander seed has also been applied through the ages. The Egyptians particularly believed that it gives immorality and it was essential for enhancing a man’s sperm count. However, the coriander seed is now applied by the modern herbalists to treat stomachaches as well as to enhance the digestion. The coriander seed is also used in the recent times for the purpose of reducing stress for the people to be able to express their thoughts.

There are also some reports which noted that the coriander seed’s oil, as it contains geranial, vitamin C, linalool, and potassium, greatly helps in the proper functioning of the digestive system, and circulatory system. It is also good for the skin condition. Even those who have migraine headaches used this herb in a form of tea a couple of times every day for the reason that this herb has the potential for relieving the pain.

But even though there has a long story of the coriander seed’s folk applications and functions, still no exact research has been conducted to provide some concrete proofs for its effects in humans. But still many of the laboratory and animal studies along with the anecdotal evidence suggest that it has some effects as a mild digestive aid as it provides relief to flatulence, soothes upset stomach, and revive appetite. In addition, coriander seed has some properties for fighting fungal and bacterial infections, and it is reported to be diuretic.

Today, due to its multiple anecdotal and laboratory-based benefits to humans and its being rich in vitamins and minerals, the coriander seed now comes in the form of oil, liquid, fresh herb, dried herb or tea. The coriander seed is largely made available in the different health food stores.

Herbal body care

Total body care is a necessary regimen. It isn’t enough to take care of the face; the rest of the skin deserves some pampering too. There are a number of herbs which you can use for herbal body care. The body is composed largely of the skin organ. In order to take care of the boy, you need to take care of the skin. The herbal body care applied will essentially provide protection for the skin too.

Herbal body care for dry skin includes using body lotions, scrubs and bath oils. Refrain from using soap since it could dry your skin even more. For dry skin itches, add quarter-cup vinegar to bath. The herbs that could promote oil production and herbal body care in dry skin are: chamomile, fennel, rose, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, sandalwood and small amounts peppermint and rosemary. Frankincense, jasmine, neroli and rose although expensive are also beneficial.

Herbal body care for oily skin involves using herb that normalize overactive oil glands which include herbs such as sage, lemongrass, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, yarrow and ylang-ylang. Bathing could also help oily skin if used with Aromatic Bath Salts or Aromatic Batch Vinegar. Avoid high heat in saunas since it encourages skin to become oilier. Bath salts make bath water feel silky, remove body oils, perspiration and soften the skin.

Herbal body care for sun-damaged skin involves PABA (part of the B-complex vitamins) and cinoxate (cinanamic acid from cinnamon). These two herbal body cares are commonly used ingredients in sunscreens. Sesame oil is also believed to decrease the impact of the sun’s burning rays by 30 per cent. Olive, coconut, peanut oils and aloe vera are herbal body cares that block out 20 per cent of the rays. Using three to six percent dilution of extract of helichrysum also called immortelle is also an effective herbal body care that serves as sunscreen. Carrot-seed essential oil is very helpful to sun-damaged skin and is used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. The beta-carotene found in this oil is also effective herbal body care used in protecting against skin cancer induced by ultraviolet rays. The South American herb pau d’arco is also an effective herbal body care that is an antioxidant that helps treat skin cancer.

Do not use bergamot if you go out into the sun. This herb contains phototoxic compound called bergaptene which skin’s sensitivity to light and can cause skin discoloration or rashes.

Herbal Cosmetics

Herbal cosmetics have been widely offered since the ancient times up to these days. This is perhaps for the reason that herbal cosmetics really work. With that major reason, herbal cosmetics now greatly range from skin care products, to hair care products, to herbal bath teas, and to lotions, creams, powders, and a lot more.

Historically, herbal cosmetics are used by women since the ancient times, in a natural form. Most of the ancient women then turned to the bounties of nature to help enhance their own beauty. In fact, it is noted that the ancient Romans have applied beauty packs of eggs and honey, and the Egyptians then have used oils and perfumes for increasing their beauty.

Nowadays, when many cosmetic counters provide cleansers that are full of artificial ingredients, many people turned to consider searching for natural alternatives, and that is in the form of herbal cosmetics.

Among the many herbs that are included as ingredients in some herbal cosmetics formulations are the chamomile, chervil, fennel, dandelion, lime flowers, and rosemary leaves. Greatly, all of these herbs are used as cleansing and mildly astringent. With the advent of the herbal cosmetics, many experts have recommended the infusion of such herbal cosmetics into a tea for a much lighter and refreshing rinse for the skin. And such recommendation really works, for the herbal cosmetics are designed to relieve irritated skin.

Aside from that, many herbal cosmetic specialists also suggest the infusion of lavender, mint, thyme, and witch hazel to the natural antiseptics. Accordingly, this formulation will greatly help especially those who suffer from skin frequent outbreaks.

And as herbal cosmetics continue to create a great impact to the lives of most people, many herbal cosmetics companies have designed some herbal baths which in turn can be made into a spa experience, of course with the production of simple bath bags. As it is commonly noted, herbal cosmetics have the potential for relieving depression and stress. This is perhaps one of the reasons that herbal bath teas become the most commonly purchased item in the market, that they are proven to soothe both the mind and body.

With the great appreciation on herbal cosmetics, it is no wonder that many companies have established their own herbal cosmetic portals on the web. So today, wherever you look at, either surf on the internet or you walk into a certain herbal cosmetics counter; you will definitely find several herbal cosmetics in several forms. That is how popular the herbal items are.

Herbal Tea Remedy

Herbal tea remedy is one of the simplest ways to prepare herbs and use its curative value to heal ailments. A cup of tea costs just a few cents too. One teaspoon of herb per cup would suffice. This is to be ingested three or four times daily for it to be effective as an herbal tea remedy. A number of the herbal tea remedy such as fever-reducing teas and diuretics are best taken when hot because the heat induces perspiration.

There are several ways to prepare herbal tea remedy. These are:

- Infusions. This herbal tea remedy is made by pouring hot water over herbs and steep for five to ten minutes using saucepan, teapot and cup. To retain the essential oils in the herbs, cover the pot or pan. Flowers and leaves are used in infusion.

- Decoction. This herbal tea remedy is made by gently simmering the herbs in water for 15 to 30 minutes. Decoctions usually made use of roots and bark. The high heat can release more properties from roots and bark.

- Cold infusions. This herbal tea remedy is done by soaking herbs in cold water for eight hours. This method is usually done for delicate herbs that would lose essential oils if heated. There are currently two versions of tea in the market: flavor-enhanced tea and instant tea.

- Tinctures. This herbal tea remedy is herbal extracts that are concentrated liquid herbal medicine. This is good for years. You can dilute this into an instant herbal tea remedy by adding water or juice. Average does is 30 drops or a quarter teaspoon.

Herbs that can be used as an effective herbal tea remedy include the following:

Alfalfa
Fenugreek
Hyssop
Rose hips
Blackberry
Feverfew
Lemon Grass
Rosemary
Chamomile
Flaxseed
Orange
Sarsaparilla
Chickweed
Ginseng
Peppermint
Savory
Chicory
Gotu kola
Psyllium
Slippery Elm
Dandelion
Hibiscus
Raspberry
Spearmint
Echinacea
Hops
Red Raspberry
Valerian
Fennel
Horehound

Due to the astringent tannin found herbal tea remedy, it could alleviate indigestion, diarrhea and other forms of stomach upset. It also aids in burning of fat calories in people who are overweight according to a Swiss research study. Perhaps the side effect due to herbal tea remedy could be derived from its caffeine content. Excessive amounts of the brewed tea could lead to irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or loss of appetite. To avoid side effects, do not take herbal tea remedy in excessive dosage, read package labels carefully and do not exceed recommended intake. Exercise caution when it comes to toxicities of certain herbs that are used as herbal tea remedy.

Fennel

Fennel, or Foeniculum vulgare, is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb that grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe. It has yellow flowers and feathery leaves. Fennel was generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but its cultivation as an important aromatic spice and beneficial herb spread eastwards to India.

In Ancient Greece, the fennel plant was said to have flourished and the people called marathron. Because of its many virtues, the Ancient Greeks came to name a place after it, Marathon, which means “place of fennel.” Marathon places a big part in history where the famous Battle of Marathon took place in 491 B.C.

Following the Greeks, the Romans cultivated the plant mainly as an important culinary ingredient. They brought it with them during the expansion of the Roman Empire. In this way, fennel was able to follow civilization, growing wild in many parts of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and upon riverbanks. Fennel particularly thrives in soil with limestone base and is now naturalized in some parts of England, particularly in North Wales southward and eastward to Kent, Devon, and Cornwall. Species of fennel are most frequent on chalk cliffs near the sea and chalky districts inland.

Medicinal Actions and Uses

Fennel has many aromatic and carminative properties that make it a medicinal purgative neutralizer. It is chiefly used to allay the griping tendency of many purgatives. For this reason, fennel is one of the ingredients used to create the well-known compound, Liquorice Powder.

Fennel water, when mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, constitute the domestic anti-flatulent for infants, Gripe Water. Also, the volatile oil of fennel has these properties in concentration.

There are several more benefits associated with fennel, all of which are summarized in the words of Culpepper:

“One good old custom is not yet left off, viz, to boil fennel with fish, for it consumes the phlegmatic humour which fish most plentifully afford and annoy the body wth, though few that use it know wherefore they do it. It benefits this way, because it is a herb of Mercury, and under Virgo, and therefore bears antipathy to Pisces. Fennel expels wind, provokes urine, and eases the pains of the stone, and helps to break it.

“The leaves or seed boiled in barley water and drunk, are good for nurses, to increase their milk and make it more wholesome for the child. The leaves, or rather the seeds, boiled in water, stayeth the hiccup and taketh away nausea or inclination to sickness. The seed and the roots much more help to open obstructions of the liver, spleen, and gall, and thereby relieve the painful and windy swellings of the spleen, and the yellow jaundice, as also the gout and cramp.

“The seed is of good use in medicines for shortness of breath and wheezing, by stoppings of the lungs. The roots are of most use in physic, drinks and broths, that are taken to cleanse the blood, to open obstructions of the liver, to provoke urine, and amend the ill colour of the face after sickness, and to cause a good habit throughout the body; both leaves, seeds, and roots thereof, are much used in drink, or broth, to make people more lean that are too fat. A decoction of the leaves and root is good for serpent bites, and to neutralize vegetable poison, as mushrooms, etc.”