Cilantro by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Cilantro (leaves), Coriander (seeds), Chinese Parsley
2. Folk Name(s): Dhania, Mexican Parsley, Arab Parsley
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum
4. Family: Apiaceae (Carrot/Parsley family)
5. Plant Type: Annual herb
6. Botanical Description: Upright, branching herb 1–2 feet tall. Leaves are delicate, bright green, and lacy—lower leaves resemble flat parsley, while upper leaves are finely divided. Produces clusters of small white to pale pink umbel flowers, which develop into round, ridged seeds (coriander).
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 2–11 as an annual. Prefers cool-season growth.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Does best in Zones 3–8 for spring and fall planting.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to regions spanning southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. Widely cultivated worldwide.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Light, well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade in hot climates.
2. Propagation: Best grown from seed sown directly in the garden—does not transplant well. Seeds germinate in 1–2 weeks.
3. Companion Planting: Good companion for spinach, beans, and anise; attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies. Avoid planting near fennel.
4. Harvesting Guidelines:
   
5. Leaves: Harvest when plants are 6–8 inches tall, cut sparingly to allow regrowth.
6. Seeds: Collect when seed heads turn brown and dry; hang upside down in a paper bag to catch seeds.
   
7. Drying/Preservation: Leaves lose flavor when dried—better frozen or used fresh. Seeds can be dried and stored whole or ground.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: One of the oldest recorded spices, mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman texts. Used in love potions during the Middle Ages. Still widely important in Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used as a carminative and digestive aid; also valued as a detoxifying herb in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
3. Symbolism: Associated with hidden desires, love, and passion. Seeds were once used in wedding cakes to symbolize fertility and union.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Essential oils (linalool, borneol, camphor), flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Digestive support (relieves gas, bloating, indigestion).
4. Chelating agent—binds to heavy metals and aids detoxification.
5. Antimicrobial and antifungal.
6. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
   
7. Preparation Methods:
   
8. Fresh leaves in teas, tinctures, or culinary dishes.
9. Seeds used as spice, infusion, or decoction.
10. Essential oil (external use only, diluted).
    
11. Dosage & Guidelines: Tea—1 tsp crushed seeds per cup, steep 10 minutes; up to 2–3 cups/day. Culinary use is safe daily.
12. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe in food amounts; large doses may cause photosensitivity or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire & Air
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mars & Mercury; linked to Aphrodite (love) and Hermes (communication).
3. Magical Correspondences: Love, lust, passion, protection, wealth, health.
4. Ritual Use: Seeds used in love charms, sachets, and potions; leaves sometimes added to protection baths; coriander seeds once candied and given as festival sweets to inspire love.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreaming of cilantro may suggest hidden desires, new love, or the need to release toxins (physical or emotional).

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Attracts bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators when in flower.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and habitat for beneficial insects.
3. Culinary Uses:
   
4. Leaves (cilantro) used fresh in salsas, chutneys, curries, and salads.
5. Seeds (coriander) used ground or whole in spice blends (garam masala, curry powder, pickling spices).
6. Roots (especially in Thai cuisine) used for broths, soups, and curry pastes.
   

🏡 Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Fresh garnish, digestive tea, seasoning, detox support.
2. Notable Traits: Unique dual use—fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander) with distinct flavors and properties.
3. Special Notes: Cilantro flavor is genetically divisive—some experience a soapy taste due to aldehyde sensitivity.

📖 Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
3. Hoffman, D. Medical Herbalism
4. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
5. Cunningham, S. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
6.