Cilantro: Why You Should Choose This Unique, Pungent Herb

It's no surprise that adding cilantro to dishes not only enhances the flavor, but also provides health benefits. The nutritional content of this low-calorie, no-cholesterol herb is very impressive, since it is abundant in:

• Antioxidant polyphenolic flavonoids such as quercetin,kaempferol, rhamnetin and apigenin
• Minerals like potassium,calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium
• Vitamins A,C and K, as well as B vitamins

Cilantro is also proven to have antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can contribute to numerous health benefits, such as:

• Helping reduce swelling caused by arthritis and rheumatism because of its phenolic acids and polyphenols
• Reducing unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels
• Helping keep bones strong
• Stimulating digestion
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Assisting in preventing stomach disorders like nausea and vomiting and in alleviating gas and indigestion
• Acting as a potent chelator to remove heavy metals and toxins from your body
• Helping reduce risk for vision disorders like macular degeneration
• Lowering stress on your eyes and shielding them from free radical damage

The leaves, root and stem of cilantro have also been shown to work against certain conditions, such as:

• Eczema
• Dry or dull skin
• Fungal infections
• Anemia
• Muscle aches and pains

Using cilantro medicinally may have certain side effects, though, such as allergic skin reactions (hives or itching) and photosensitivity. Consult your physician before using this as an herbal remedy to ensure that you have no allergies to this herb.

Research Has Proven Cilantro's Potential Water-Purifying Abilities

A study conducted by a group of American and Mexican researchers also revealed that cilantro can help purify water. The discovery was made by a team led by Douglas J. Schauer, Ph.D., then of IvyTech Community College in Lafayette, Indiana, along with researchers from the Universidad Politecnica de Francisco I. Madero in Hidalgo, Mexico, while studying in the Tule Valley region.

Wastewater from Mexico City is dumped in this region. However, this waste water, contaminated with heavy metals like nickel and lead, is actually being used to irrigate crops.

According to Schauer, while other filtering agents such as activated charcoal can be used to remove the chemicals from the water, they are too expensive. The researchers then tested samples of different plants ranging from cacti to flowers, and learned that cilantro is a very powerful "bio absorbent" material in this region. An item is considered bio absorbent when it's made from dried organic material from a plant, and can essentially replace the charcoals typically utilized in filters.

As Schauer points out in a Time interview, ground-up cilantro can be placed inside a tube where the water can pass through. The herb allows water to trickle out, while filtering out dangerous heavy metals. Another method involves placing dried cilantro in tea bags and into a water pitcher for a few minutes, allowing the herb to draw out toxins.

Growing Cilantro at Home

Cilantro is a cool-season herb that reaches its full potential when sown either in spring or fall. Temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees F are the most ideal for this plant.Cilantro can also be grown in warm temperatures, but make sure to plant slow-bolt cilantro varieties like Santo and Marino since the plant may grow quickly once the temperature rises.

Healthy soil is important when growing your cilantro. It thrives well in rich soils with pH levels of 6.2 to 6.8. Feel free to add organic matter to the soil too, since this is a fast-growing plant.

Country Living Magazine notes that it's best to grow cilantro plants using seeds. Sow the seeds one-fourth inch deep into the ground and leave a half-inch of space between plants. You may also try growing these plants indoors or in a pot, provided that they receive adequate sunlight and water.

It takes 45 to 70 days after seeding for your cilantro plants to be ready for harvesting. Leaves that are 4 to 6 inches long can be snipped off and harvested.If you want a steady supply of cilantro, try planting small patches of the herb every two to four weeks throughout the growing season.

Cilantro Essential Oil Could Be Helpful, Too

Aside from consuming fresh cilantro, you can use cilantro essential oil to your advantage if you want to gain some of the benefits the herb has to offer. There are numerous ways you can use cilantro essential oil at home:

• Diffusion or inhalation via a vaporizer
• Topical application
• Food ingredient

Before using or consuming cilantro essential oil, make sure to dilute it in a safe carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Consult a physician and take an allergen patch test to see if your skin responds well to the oil. If you're pregnant, nursing or have kidney issues, avoid using this essential oil since it may exacerbate certain conditions.