Magical and Medicinal Uses of Coriander

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Healing, Immortality, Love, Lust, Protection

Magical Uses and History: Coriander is a world-famous herb that belongs to the same family as celery and carrots. Generally, coriander refers to the seeds of Coriandrum sativum, while cilantro is the name given to the leaves. For the sake of this article, I am going to discuss the use of both the seeds and the leaves in myth, magic, and folklore.

The earliest evidence of coriander's use appears in archeological findings dated around 6000-5000 BC. Fifteen coriander seeds were found in the Nahal Hemar Cave in Israel, suggesting coriander was a dietary and medicinal staple. By 1500 BC, coriander was mentioned in Sanskrit literature, the Book of Exodus, and the Ebers Papyrus, suggesting the plant never fell out of use. In India, coriander was favored in Ayurveda as a harmonious plant capable of balancing the bodies of all people. It is believed to balance all three doshas, or bio-energetic forces, particularly Pitta, the mind-body energies composed of fire and water. As such, it is revered as a cooling herb and is used to aid and stimulate digestion and reduce burning sensations, skin rashes, and even allergies. Similarly, the Ebers Papyrus lists coriander as a digestive aid, helping to reduce stomach pains, cramps, and flatulence. One such recipe combines coriander with juniper and beer to treat abdominal pain.

Later, Pliny the Elder in Natural History noted coriander's many medicinal uses, including dedicating an entire section to its twenty-one remedies. According to Pliney, coriander was used to treat a wide range of ailments such as snakebites, intestinal parasites, eye diseases, burns, digestive complaints, hiccups, nosebleeds, gout, and diseased testes. By the 13th-century, coriander was also used to quicken childbirth, but too much coriander was believed to cause mental confusion and dim one's vision. Needless to say, these medicinal uses continued well into modern day, expanding and contracting with modern science. As such, coriander seeds are perfect for spells and rituals related to healing. Wear coriander seeds to reduce pain, particularly headaches and joint aches; burn in a sick room to promote wellness and a speedy recovery; add to healing sachets or incense blends; add to ritual healing baths; or brew as a tea for the same purpose. The uses are pretty endless. 

It is likely from its healing nature that coriander is also often associated with protection. Dried seeds can be included in amulets or sachets for personal protection; hung around the home, especially doors, to protect from unwanted guests; diffused to remove negativity from a space; added to spiritual baths; or used to shield practitioners during astral travel.

Apart from healing and protection, coriander is probably most famous for its use in love and lust spells. Pliny specifically mentions coriander as an aphrodisiac, a view echoed by Egyptian, Arabian, and Chinese texts. In Egypt, coriander was referred to as the "spice of happiness," likely for its ability to stimulate sexual desires. It was often used in love potions for such purposes. In 1,001 Arabian Nights, coriander was used to help a merchant cure is impotence, while in Traditional Chinese Medicine, coriander was prized for its warming nature, helping to boost energy and libido. In Ancient Greece and Rome and well into Medieval Europe, coriander was often mixed with wine to create love potions to elicit sexual desire. As such, coriander, both seeds and leaves, can be used in spells, rituals, and recipes to promote love and lust. Leaves and seeds can be added to sachets, food, and wine to promote love and lust; diffuse or wear essential oils to enhance your attraction, or anoint candles for such purposes.

Finally, according to Taoist beliefs, coriander is believed to be an herb of immortality. It was thought that consuming coriander seeds would grant the eater immortality and was often used in food for such purposes, especially in a dish known as yuan cai or "fragrant vegetable." This likely stems from the plant's natural healing abilities. As such, coriander seeds can be used in spells, rituals, and especially edible recipes regarding immortality. The seeds can also be added to spells to ensure they are long-lasting.

Medicinal Uses: Coriander seeds are carminative and therefore are often used to alleviate digestive issues such as gas, bloating, cramps, colic, and indigestion, as well as to ease diarrhea, especially in children. As an oil, coriander can be used to stimulate the production of digestive juices and stimulate appetite. Some studies suggest that coriander seeds may promote relaxation and aid in blood sugar control.

Preparation and Dosage: To make an infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of bruised seeds. Allow the mixture to infuse for five minutes. Drink before meals to reduce gas and other digestive issues. 

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