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The Medicinal Properties of Coriander Daniel Gagnon, Medical Herbalist

Coriander* ( sativum) [ ] Coriander’s Constituents (McGuffin 2000) The chemical composition of foods is of interest to individuals who may want to gain a better * In the United States, the leaf of Coridandrum understanding of how herbal constituents may sativum is commonly called cilantro while the is influence the function of the body. The following are commonly called coriander seed. In this article, to some of the known constituents found in the seeds prevent confusion and to use the common parlance, and leaves of coriander. I refer to cilantro or cilantro leaf as coriander leaf and coriander as coriander seeds.

Other common names Ayurvedic: Dhanyaka (seed) Chinese (Pinyin name): Yuan sui zi (seed) Italian: Cilantro (leaf), Coriandolo (seed) French: Coriandre German: Koriander Spanish: Cilantro Unani: Kazbura United Kingdom and Australia: Coriander leaf, coriander seed

In many countries of the world, it is also called Chinese . The leaf has appreciable amounts of A, B Part Used: Seed and leaf (including folic acid, and B6), C, and K. The leaf is also a rich source of and minerals Coriander and History including , , , , Coriander has a long history of use. It is mentioned and potassium (Kirshmann 1996). Fibers and in the Papyrus of Ebers dating around 1500 BCE. minerals provide important dietary factors that help Coriander is also mentioned in the writings of Cato us maintain our health. Dietary fibers are essential the Elder (234 – 149 BCE) as well as Pliny the Elder for intestinal regularity and to maintain healthy (23 – 79 CE). It has also been reported that cholesterol and blood levels. Potassium is an coriander seeds were known in England before the important component of cells and body fluids that Norman Conquest (around 1066 CE). Pliny the help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, and natural essential for healthy red blood cell production. philosopher, used the name coriandrum for this Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor to . The name is thought to be derived from the manufacture the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide word koros (a bug) in reference to the strong smell dismutase . Coriander leaf also contains powerful of the fresh leaves (Grieve 1971). Some individuals antibacterial compounds including α- pinene, have a distinct aversion to the smell and taste of β- phellandrene, cineole, and borneol. fresh coriander leaves. When bed bugs are crushed, the insects emit a smell that is reminiscent of fresh Coriander seed contains between 0.1 to 2.0 percent coriander leaf. That may, in part, explain the origin of volatile oil depending on the seed variety. The of the name coriander. constituents of the of coriander seeds can be broken down into four major groups: 1. alcohols including linolool (60-80%), geraniol (6.4%), tridecanoic acid (5.5%), and undecanoic (1.2-4.6%), terpinen-4-ol (3%), and α- terpineol acid (7.1%) as major constituents (Bhuiyan 2009). (0.5%); 2. hydrocarbons including γ- terpinene In the last decade, the essential oil of coriander leaf (1-8%), r-cymene (3.5%), limonene (0.5%-4.0%), has been gaining in popularity as more people use camphene (1.4%), and myrcene (0.2%-2.0%); 3. essential oils in their everyday lives. ketones including camphor (0.9-4.9%); and 4. esters including geranyl acetate (0.1-4.7%) and Agricultural Production lynalyl acetate (0-2.7%) (Mandal 2015). Since the The primary producers of coriander seeds are seeds are rich in (16-28%) and Egypt, , Morocco, and the United States. (11-17%), their residues at the end of the distillation Smaller quantities are also produced in Hungary, process can be used as animal feed (Evans 1989). Poland, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Italy, Turkey, the Balkans, Germany, China, Iran, as well as some countries of Central and South America (Teuscher 2005). Two varieties of seeds dominate the market, Coriandrum sativum var. vulgare which yields seeds that measure 3 to 5 mm in diameter while Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum yields seeds that measure only 1.3 to 3 mm in diameter (Teuscher 2005). The seeds from Morocco and India are primarily of the vulgare variety and are larger (75 to 100 seeds per gram) while seeds from Eastern Europe are primarily of the microcarpum variety and are smaller (> 130 seeds per gram) (Teuscher 2005). The seeds that come from the smaller seed varieties contain higher levels of essential oils (up to 2.0%). The varieties that produce larger seeds yield less essential oil (0.1 to Coriander seed essential oil is pale yellow or 0.3%). That explains why growers who produce colorless, has the odor of coriander, and has a mild seeds destined for the distillation of essential oils aromatic taste. The fruit contains malic acid, favor small seed production. During the Communist tannins, and fatty acids including linoleic acid, regime, the U.S.S.R. was the major producer of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. Before coriander seed essential oil and controlled the world starting the distillation process, the seeds are price and supply. Today, Ukraine continues the crushed, this allows more essential oil to be legacy and is still one of the primary producers of extracted (Grieve 1971). coriander seed essential oil (Evans 1996).

One of the major constituents of coriander seed oil Coriander seeds and leaves have significant is . When isolated from the oil, linalool is medicinal properties and offer substantial health used for a variety of purposes. It is estimated that benefits.to mankind. linalool finds its way into 60-80% of all commercial perfumed hygiene products and cleaning products The Medicinal Proprieties of Coriander Seeds including soaps, shampoos, body lotions, and There are seven major areas within which the detergents. It is also used as a chemical intermediate, healing power of coriander seeds can be tapped. leading to the manufacturing of such products as E. Additionally, pest management 1. Coriander seeds and strong-tasting professionals use linalool as an insecticide against For hundreds of years, coriander seeds have been fleas, fruit flies, and cockroaches (Evans 1996). added to numerous formulations with the goal to Coriander leaf essential oil contains approximately soften the assault of bitter-tasting herbs on the taste 44 compounds mainly aromatic acids containing buds (Leclerc 1976).They are excellent at masking 2-decenoic acid (30.8%), E-11-tetradecenoic acid the taste of very strong herbs. They are often added (13.4%), capric acid (12.7%), undecyl alcohol to laxative-based products that contain such bitter-tasting herbs as cascara sagrada, buckthorn, an effective calmative when stomach acids are too senna, jalap, and aloin latex. They are also added elevated (Van Hellemont 1986). to formulas that contain barberry, Oregon grape , quassia bark, as well as many other bitter or Individuals who experience considerable stress in strong tasting herbs (Van Hellemont 1986). With the their lives initially see their production of digestive help of coriander seeds, herbal mixtures containing juices decrease substantially. During stress, the strong-tasting herbs taste better, much better. Thus, body protects itself by shunting blood away from the a greater number of individuals become willing and digestive tract. This results in a decreased able to take their “bad tasting” medicines. production of digestive juices manifesting as difficulty digesting meals and increased 2. Coriander seeds and gastrointestinal gas fermentation in the digestive system manifesting as gas. A tea or tincture of coriander seeds taken 20 Although most people prefer not to talk about this minutes before meals will increase the secretion of subject, can be a serious annoyance and digestive juice and facilitate digestion (Wichtl 2004). cause serious embarrassment. Not only is it socially unacceptable, but it can cause serious gastrointestinal pain. Coriander seeds offer their considerable properties to individuals afflicted with this health annoyance. Carminative herbs help prevent or stop gas production throughout the entire digestive system. The seeds can be lifesaving for individuals who have constant burping or experience significant amount of flatulence, especially when they eat certain foods (milk and other dairy products, onion, , cabbage, cauliflower, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, etc.) or after eating particularly rich meals. Although coriander seeds may not be as strong as seeds, seeds, or seeds, for most individuals, they offer excellent relief when an episode of gastrointestinal gas flares up (Van Hellemont 1986). A tea can be made by mixing whole coriander, anise, and fennel seeds together and crushing them However, when stress continues over a long period just before making the tea. The freshly prepared tea of time, the opposite may occur. Secretions may is a very pleasant addition to the end of a meal. increase but, unfortunately, because of the stress, it doesn’t occur at meal times. This leads to inflammation 3. Coriander seeds and stomach tissues of the stomach lining. Stomach burning, esophageal protection reflux, and ulceration may occur. For those types of Coriander seeds possess substantial stomach digestive discomforts, drink one cup of tea after protective properties. These properties may be meals. Coriander seeds stimulate the digestive useful when a person experiences digestive cramps function but do not aggravate the acidity that may after eating certain foods or when significant stress already exist. It actually gets rid of the inflammation manifests as stomach upsets or digestive and supports the return to proper digestive function disturbances. Coriander seeds decrease or stop (Pole 2006). stomach spasms, production of gastrointestinal gas, as well as excess or insufficient production of Another area where coriander seeds may be of use digestive juices. Recently, researchers found that is in Helicobacter pylori infections. It is estimated coriander seeds increase the production of a gastric that up to 50% of the world’s population is infected compound by the stomach that protects its epithelial to a certain degree with H. pylori . Researchers from (surface) layer from the harsh digestive juices (Zaidi Pakistan noted that coriander seeds decrease the 2012). It is used in Europe both to increase the production of inflammatory substances such as IL-8 digestive juice secretion when they are low and as or ROS, factors known to inflame the stomach (Zaidi 2012). These researchers recommend that seed twice a day for 60 days. Another 20 volunteers coriander seeds be added to the diets of patients did not take coriander seeds and served as a control faced with stomach ulcers. The seeds are both group. At the end of the trial, the treatment group soothing to the gastric membranes and calming to had a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar the gastric inflammation. levels. In addition, they also experienced a healthy rise in their beta carotene, , , 4. Coriander seeds and stress , and glutathione levels. The control group did not see any improvements of these parameters As noted above, stress can wreak havoc on the (Rajeshwari 2011). As a word of caution, if you are a digestive system. Its negative influence can be felt diabetic and choose to use coriander seeds to throughout a person’s life. Some of the symptoms supplement your diabetes care plan, be sure to that accompany stress include sleep disturbances, monitor your blood sugar closely and talk with your anxiety, muscle tension and aches, headaches, doctor about your usage of coriander seeds for that fatigue, mood swings, edginess, and forgetfulness. purpose. Research suggests that one of the ways that coriander seeds can be helpful for stress is that they 6. Coriander seeds, kidneys, and blood pressure seem to exert a muscle-relaxant effect (Rabbani 2011). The seeds were nearly equivalent to Coriander seeds have been used for centuries as a diazepam as a substance that reduces anxiety diuretic, to help the kidneys get rid of excess water (Mahendra 2011). They also exerted numerous (Fournier 1948). Laboratory studies using animals positive effects to those afflicted with stress (Koppula have confirmed the value of using the seeds for that 2012). Add in the help that coriander seeds offer in purpose (Aissaoui 2008). Additional research by the sleep issues and anxiety (Andalib 2011), and you same university group showed that, in animals with discover an herb that clearly belongs in your medi - high blood pressure, the use of coriander seed tea cine cabinet. helped lower the blood pressure (Jabeen 2009). What makes coriander seeds attractive is the fact that this herbal medicine spares potassium. Most diuretic drugs not only eliminate sodium but also potassium. Proper amounts of potassium are essential for healthy cardiac function. When large amounts of potassium are eliminated from the human body, the deficiency of this essential may lead to irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). Since coriander seeds barely increased the elimination of potassium, they are thought to be safer than the diuretic drugs used for that purpose. Some individuals, in order to minimize the side effects experienced with the diuretic drugs supplement their diet with coriander seeds. As a word of caution, if you have high blood pressure and choose to use coriander seeds to supplement your hypertension care plan, monitor you blood pressure closely and talk with your doctor about your usage of coriander seeds for this purpose.

5. Coriander seeds and diabetes 7. Coriander seed essential oil and skin health In many countries around the world, countless Coriander seed essential oil is used as a topical diabetics choose to use herbs either as a primary treatment for chronic wounds, impetigo, and herpes treatment for, or as an adjunct to, the treatment of simplex outbreaks (Abascal 2012). The seed oil is their diabetes (Otoom 2006, Srinivasan 2005). One also used as a liniment for rheumatism and painful of the main herbs used for this purpose is coriander joints. (Wichtl 2004). The oil reduces the production seeds. Animal studies have demonstrated that using of inflammatory compounds both in the skin and in the seeds modifies glucose regulation in a positive the joints, and is a safer alternative to NSAIDS way (Gray 2007). In a human study, a group of 20 (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (Abascal volunteers each took 2.5 grams of ground coriander 2012). The Medicinal Properties of Coriander Leaf well as the concentration of lead in the mice’s gonads (Sharma 2010). In another animal study, 1. Coriander leaf and heavy metal detoxification mice were exposed to lead in their drinking water. The study concluded that coriander leaf seemed to Starting in the early 1990s, the use of coriander leaf contain some type of unidentified chelating agent, an has been advocated as a strategy to eliminate heavy agent that binds and stimulates the excretion of metal accumulations, particularly those of mercury, another substance. Coriander leaf was shown to from the human body. The putative rationale behind suppress lead deposition in the mice’s bones and this use is that coriander leaf constituents are kidneys (Aga 2001). Another animal study showed thought to attach to heavy metals and promote their that feeding coriander leaf extract to rats prior to excretion out of the body. Much has been written exposing them to liver toxins offered significant liver about this controversial therapy. Proponents are protection (Sreelatha 2009). staunchly adamant that ingestion of coriander leaf results in a lessening of heavy metal load while opponents of the therapy argue that there is no scientific basis for the claims made by those advocating its use. In 1995 and 1996, Dr. Omura, MD, published two papers where he introduced the use of a new bidigital O-ring test claimed to measure heavy metal levels in the body. He also proposed a protocol to remove heavy metals from the human body. In his clinical practice, Dr. Omura observed mercury blood levels rise after his patients had mercury dental amalgams removed. He had also noted that individuals who ate Vietnamese soup made with coriander leaf experienced increasing excretion of mercury, lead, and aluminum. From these two observations, he started to treat patients exhibiting high heavy metal loads with 100 mg coriander leaf tablets four times a day He claimed that levels of heavy metals dropped substantially The long and short of these studies is the implication (Omura 1995, Omura 1996). In the United States, Dr. that eating coriander leaf with foods that contain Deitrich Klinghartd, MD., became a proponent of Dr. elevated amounts of heavy metals or toxins may Omura’s method and began teaching health prevent their absorption in our body. For example, professionals about his own specific protocol for eating coriander leaves with sea foods, tuna, or other heavy metals removal. However, no other clinical fish that contain significant amounts of heavy metals papers or human clinical trials have been published may protect you from the heavy metals found in to show the efficacy of using coriander leaf to remove these foods. Given that high levels of heavy metals heavy metals once they are deposited in human are increasingly found in all types of foods, it is tissues. The lack of published clinical studies lies at certainly an excellent idea to incorporate the regular the center of the controversy. use of coriander leaf into our everyday diet. However, keep in mind Dr. Omura’s observation that Preparation and Dosage eating coriander leaf may reduce the absorption of heavy metals when it occurs at the same time as the Internally: heavy metal exposure. There is strong evidence in animal studies that coriander leaf used either prior to Coriander Seed: Coriander seeds make a good or at the same time as heavy metal or toxin exposure tasting tea. To make the tea, steep one tablespoon of may protect the liver and other tissues. In an animal crushed coriander seeds in a cup of hot water for 10 study where mice were fed lead and coriander to 15 minutes and filter. Take 2 or 3 cups per day. To leaves, the study showed that ingestion of coriander use powdered coriander seed: take ½ teaspoon per leaf reduced the negative effects of lead on liver dosage mixed well in water or juice, from 2 to 5 times enzymes, testosterone levels and sperm density as a day (Van Hellemont 1986). Coriander Leaf: Take 30 drops of the liquid herbal containers in an area low in moisture and free of extract in warm water 2 or 3 times a day at meal light (Wichtl 2004). times. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of the fresh leaves to your meal when you consume foods that Coriander leaf will keep for a relatively long time in may have an elevated heavy metal load, such as the refrigerator when it is placed as a whole sea food, tuna, or other fish located higher on the with whole washed in a vase filled with water. food chain. Cover the plant and the vase with a plastic bag. Regularly remove the leaves that are turning yellow. Externally: Stored in that way, the plant will stay fresh for many weeks (Teuscher 2005). Coriander seed essential oil can be mixed in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. Stir 1 ounce of References coriander seed essential oil into 10 ounces of sweet Abascal, K. and Yarnell, E. 2012. Cilantro – Culinary herb or almond oil. Mix well. Apply to the skin or joints as miracle medicinal plant. Alternative and Complementary needed (Bartram 1998). Therapies. 18(5): 259-264.

Safety Aga, M., Iwaki, K., Ueda, Y., Ushio, S., Masaki N., Fukuda, S., Kimoto, T., Ikeda, M. and Kurimoto, M. 2001. Preventive The Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition, effect of Coriandrum sativum (Chinese parsley) on localized classifies coriander seed and leaf as a Class 1 herb, lead deposition in ICR mice. J Ethnopharmacol . 77: 203-208. an herb that can be safely consumed when used Aissaoui, A., El-Hilaly, J., Israili, ZH. and Lyoussi, B. 2008. appropriately (Gardner 2013). Other researchers Acute diuretic effect of continuous intravenous infusion infusion have also concluded that coriander seeds are very of an aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum L. in safe, even when taken in very large doses anesthesized rats. J. Ethnopharmacol . 115(1): 89-95. (Mahendra 2011). Andalib, S., Vaseghi, A., Vaseghi, G. and Motavallian, A. 2011. Sedative and hypnotic effects of Iranian traditional medicinal Contraindications herbs or the treatment of insomnia. EXCLI J. 10: 192-197. Coriander seed and leaf have no known Bartram, T. (1998) Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine . contraindications (Van Hellemont 1986). London, England: Constable and Robinson Ltd.

Side Effects Bhuiyan, N.I., Begum, J. and Sultana, M. 2009. Chemical composition of leaf and seed essential oil of Coriandrum A few isolated reports of allergic reactions to sativum L. from Bangladesh. Bangladesh J Pharmacol 4: coriander seed and leaf have been reported 150-153. (Manzanedo 2004). Evans, W. 1989. Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy ,13 ed. London, England: Bailliere Tindall. Drug Interactions The Botanical Safety Handbook 2 nd Edition has clas - Evans, W. 1996. Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy ,14 ed. London, England: WB Saunders Co. Ltd. sified coriander seed and leaf as a Class A herb, an herb for which no clinically relevant interaction are Fournier, P. 1948. Le livre des plantes medicinales et expected (Gardner 2013). vénéneuses de France . Lechevalier, Paris, France.

Kitchen tips Gardner, Z. and McGuffin, M. editors. 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook , 2 ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Do not buy powdered coriander seeds as they will lose their aroma and essential oils very quickly. Buy Gray, A.M. and Flatt, P.R. 2007. Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of the traditional anti-diabetic plant whole seeds and crush or powder them just before Coriandrum sativum (coriander). Br J Nutrit 81(03): 203-209. use. By following these recommendations, you access the full medicinal qualities of the seeds when Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal . NY, NY, Dover Publications, Inc.: you need them. 1971 (reprint of 1931 ed.).

Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B. and Gilani, A.H. Whole dried seeds will keep for years when they are Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering stored in hermetically-sealed glass or metal and diuretic activities. 2009 J. Ethnopharmacol . 122(1). 123-130. Kirshmann J.D. 1996. Nutrition Almanac , 4 ed. New York, NY: Sharma, V., Kansai, L. and Sharma, A. 2010. Prophylactic McGraw-Hill. efficacy of Coriandrum sativum (coriander) on testis of lead- exposed mice. Biol Trace Elem Res. 136: 337-354. Koppula, S. and Choi, DK. 2012. Anti-stress and anti-amnesic Sreelatha, S., Padma, P.R. and Umadevi, M. 2009. Protective effects of Coriandrum sativum Linn (Umbelliferae) extract – an effects of Coriandrum sativum extracts on carbon experimental study in rats. Trop J Pharmaceutical Res. tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 11: 36-42. 47: 702-708.

Leclerc, H. 1976. Précis de phytotherapie . Paris, France: Srinivasan, K. 2005. Plant foods in the management of diabetes Masson. mellitus: as beneficial antidiabetic food . Int J Food Sci Nutr 56(6): 399-414. Mahendra, P. and Bisht, S. 2011. A daily use with great medicinal effect. Pharmacognosy J . 3:84:88. Teuscher, E., Anton, R. and Lobstein. A. 2005. Plantes Aromatiques. Paris, France: Editions Tec et Doc. Mahendra, P. and Bisht, S. 2011. Anti-anxiety activity of Coriandrum sativum assessed using different experimental United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research animal models. Indian J Pharmacol. 43: 574-577. Service. National Nutrient database for Standard Reference Release 28. 2016. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2931 Mandal, S., and Mandal, M. 2015. Coriander ( Coriandrum Accessed 7/23/2016. sativum L.) essential oil: Chemistry and biological activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed . 5(6): 421–428. Van Hellemont, J. 1986. Compendium de Phytotherapie . Brussels, Belgium: Association Pharmaceutique Belge. Manzanedo, L., Blanco, J., Fuentes, M., Caballero, M.L. and Moneo, I. 2004. Anaphylactic reaction in a patient sensitized Wichtl, M. (Ed.) 2004. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. to coriander seed. Allergy. 59(3): 362-363. 3 ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

McGuffin, M., Kartesz, J.F., Leung, AY. and Tucker, A.O. 2000. Zaidi, S.F., Muhammad, J.S., Shahryar, S. Usmanghani, K. and Herbs of Commerce , 2 ed. Silver Springs, MD: American Herbal Gilani A. 2012. Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of Products Association. selected Pakistani medicinal in Helicobacter pylori- infected gastric epithelial cells. J. Ethnopharmacol. 141: 403-413. Omura, Y, and Beckman, S.I. 1995. Role of mercury (Hg) in resistant infections and effective treatment of Chlamydia Biography trachomatis and Herpes family viral infection (and potential treatment for cancer) by removing localized Hg deposits with Daniel Gagnon, Medical Herbalist, MS, RH (AHG) is a French Chinese parsley and delivering effective antibiotics using various Canadian from Ontario who relocated to Santa Fe, NM in 1979. drug uptake enhancement methods. Acupunct Elecrother Res. He has been a practicing Medical Herbalist since 1976. Daniel is 50: 195-229. the author of The Practical Guide to Herbal Medicines , a book designed to provide herbal health care options. He is also the Omura, Y., Shimotsuura, Y., Fukuoka, A., Fukuoka, H. and co-author of Breathe Free , a book on healing the respiratory Nomoro, T. 1996. Significant mercury deposits in internal organs system. He regularly teaches herbal therapeutics both nationally following the removal of dental amalgam, and development of and internationally. pre-cancer on the gingiva and the sides of the tongue and their represented organs as a result of inadvertent exposure to strong Daniel is the owner of Herbs, Etc., a natural vitamin and supple - curing light and effective treatment. Acupunct Electrother Res. ment retail store and an organic manufacturing facility. For more 21: 133-160. information on Herbs, Etc., please go to: www.herbsetc.com. Daniel can be reached at [email protected]. Otoom, S.A., Al-Safi, S.A., Kerem, Z.K. and Alkofahi, A. 2006. The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients. J. Herb Pharmacother. 6(2): 31-41.

Pole, S. 2006. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Rabbani, M., Vaseghi, G., Sajjadi, S.E. and Amin, B. 2011. Persian herbal medicines with anxiolytic activity. J Med Plants 39: 7-11.

Rajeshwari, CU. and Andallu, B. 2011. Oxidative stress in NIDDM patients: Influence of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds. Res J Pharmaceutical Biol Chem Sci. 2: 31-41.

Rudrappa, Umesh. Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) nutrition facts. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cilantro.html. Accessed 7/23/2016.