As used by Rameses 2nd! (Coriander)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	Coriander
Date:	02/11/01 (109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good pain relief for joints

Disadvantages: I don't like the scent much

Coriander essential oil is also known as Chinese parsley and coriander seed oil. It is extracted by steam distillation from the crushed, ripe seeds. (Another oil is produced from the fresh and dried leaves but it contains a high proportion of decyl aldehydw and shouldn't be used for aromatherpy. Check this out carefully before you buy).

Folklore/Tradition:
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The seeds of the coriander plant were found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Rameses 11.

The oil is said to be helpful for diarrhoea, digestive trouble and flatulence. In Chinese medicine the herb is used for hernia, piles, measles, toothache and even dysentry.

Used to fragrance perfumes, toiletries and soaps. Used to flavour liquers such as Chartreuse and Benedictine. Also used to flavour pipe tobacco.

Uses:
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Painkiller,

appetite stimulant,

aphrodisiac, (?)

anti-rheumatic so its good for muscle and joint pain,

antispasmodic so may help with asthma,

arthritis,

gout (helps to drain lymph so may make this condition less painful)

poor circulation (cold feet and gands)

stiffness in joints,

nausea,

colds, 'flu', infections of the respiratory system,

migraine,

neuralgia,

nervous exhaustion.

How to use:
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Blends well with clary sage, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, petitgrain, citronella, sandalwood, cypress, pine, ginger, peppermint and many others. I like to blend this oil with clove and citronella. This lifts the fragrance and gives it a bit of 'zing'.

Use a small amount of vodka or saki in an egg cup mixed with six drops of essential oil in proportions to suit. Remember that the fragrance will change once you put it in the bath water. Take care with very strong oils like clove or peppermint as the aroma from these can overpower the others in the bl
end.

Use a similar blend as a room fragrancer to get all the benefits without too much effort. Just relax and enjoy.

If you want to use this oil for body massage mix it with a carrier oil (grapeseed, almond oil, or similar) in the proportion of 7 drops to 15 mils of oil. (Save the little plastic measuring cup from Night Nurse or a mouthwash for this purpose!) Whatever oils you decide to blend don't use more than the suggested number of drops or you may burn your skin.

If you want to use this oil as an analgesic for painful joints, it is easier to blend it in vitamine E face cream and use this to rub the affected area. (Use 15mils cream with 7 drops of oil.)

Warning:
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Generally non toxic but still not to be taken internally. If used correctly this oil isn't an irritant and an adverse reaction is rare.

Use in moderation as this oil can have a 'stupefying effect' if used in large doses.

Keep in a safe, secure place and use only as directed.

Make sure that you buy 'coriander sativum' 100% essential oil (family: Apiaceae). The best oil comes from USSR and Romania.

Verdict:
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Not one of my favourites but I do find this oil quite effective at easing joint pain in my hips. A warm bath with 6 drops of this oil usually relieves it enough to allow sleep.

However, it isn't an aroma that I find particularly pleasant. I would much rather use lovage, or hyssop which have similar properties.

Summary: