Culantro Benefits to Cure Various Stomach Problems

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) Benefits, Regional Names, Nutrition data, Scientific Classification, Uses in various Health Condition, possible Side Effects, Precautions, FAQ

Introduction

Since ancient times, different medicinal herbs have been widely used worldwide to promote good health and cure diseases. These plants have gained their popularity in Ayurvedic treatments for their medicinal value. One such excellent herb is- Culantro.

Culantro is a tropical multi-year-old herb. It belongs to the ‘Apiaceae’ plant family. Culantro is a rich spice-like herb with health benefits. Culantro is mainly native to tropical America and the West Indies. However, this herb is widely used in Caribbean, Asian and American dishes. The herb is found mostly in the northeastern part of India which includes Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It is also found in some parts of South India such as Andaman and Nicobar dweep, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Health Benefits and Uses of Culantro

Table of Contents

History

The origin of Culantro is not known exactly, but it is native to Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Panama, Colombia, Bolivia and Brazil and from Cuba to Trinidad. It has been introduced in Florida and the Old Earth tropics where it is naturalized in many places. These herbal Chinese introduced them in Southeast Asia as an alternative to coriander; it is known in Java and Sumatra in Indo-China, peninsular Malaysia. So much coriander is grown in Central and South America and occasionally elsewhere, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan.

Plant description

Culantro is a standing, thin, durable, glaugras evergreen branched herb grown in damp and raw areas which is about 20-40 cm high. This herb is found to be developed in waste sites, cultivated areas, roadsides, grasslands, plantations, rocky areas. The herb is long, branched, fusiform tap root. Leaves are alternately arranged in the stem. The flowers are white and blue in color. This herb has a sharp and distinct taste.

Contents

Health Benefits and Uses of Culantro

The following portions of the article will discuss the health benefits of Culantro and related things to it.

Different Regional Names of Culantro are –

Hindi: Ban dhania
Kannada: Kaadu, Kothambari
Assamese: Mandhania, Jongli memedo
Manipuri : Awaphadigon
Nepali : Ban dhania, Badhano
Mizo: Bahkhawr

Nutritional Value of per 100g Culantro

Protein: 3.3%
Fat: 0.6%
Carbohydrate: 6.5%
Ash: 1.7%
Vitamins
- Vitamin A: 10, 46010 IU
- Thiamine B1: 0.8mg
- Riboflavin B2: 60mg
- Vitamin C: 150-200 mg
Minerals
- Phosphorus: 0.06%
- Iron: 0.02%

Scientific Classification of Culantro

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Eryngium
Species: E. Foetidum
Scientific Name: Eryngium foetidum

Benefits of Culantro

Eliminate bad breath

In general, herbs like coriander are known to act as a remedy for bad breath. Since parsley and cilantro both belong to the ‘Apiaceae’ plant family; culantro can solve problems related to bad breath. The fresh smell and high chlorophyll content in culantro says that it has some deodorizing effects. Simply chew some fresh leaves after each meal to eliminate the effects of sulfur compounds in the mouth which is the real cause of bad breath.

Lowers Glucose level

Research suggests that coriander leaves and stem help in reducing the blood sugar levels of animals. It can reduce body glucose due to the presence of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). Riboflavin encourages a healthy liver function that can release insulin hormones more effectively. Since a healthy liver works to balance body sugar level, it is only relevant to take a quality coriander diet supplement with the diet. You can simply cut the leaves thickly, finely or can crush the stems to add it in salads, salsa and smoothies to enhance taste as well as maintain health.

Asthma

Asthma is a common lung-related disease. It severely affects people living in industrial areas where heavy metal, dust and toxic gas emissions are prevalent. However, recent researchers have found that plants are the best source of medicine that can help cure asthma conditions and culantro is one of such herbal plants.

Pain Relief

Culantro is commonly known to reduce inflammation of body parts such as bone joints, muscle contractions and much other pain in the body. Value is used efficiently as a pain relief. Cut the leaves and boil, apply the culantro water to your body parts or eat it.

Prevents Neurological Inflammation

Regular consumption of culantro helps in reducing the symptoms of brain related diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s can be prevented due to its natural ingredients that can reduce inflammation in brain cells.

Detoxification

Regular intake of culantro helps in reducing the reaction of toxins in the human body mainly due to the presence of vitamin B2 which helps in liver function in the body. The liver works to remove some toxic waste from the body system.

Treats Infectious diseases

According to a study published in DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, culantro has antimicrobial properties that can help fight different types of bacteria gram-negative and gram-positive, as well as help fight viruses, fungi and yeast of certain species.

Manages Diabetes

Essential oils derived from culantro leaves have shown strong antioxidant activity. This aromatic herb contains high levels of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) that act as antioxidants. This makes the herb an effective part of treating diabetes and other disorders caused by oxidative stress in the body.

Treats Heart Diseases

The culantro contains compounds such as Saponins, flavonoids, Coumarin, steroids and caffeic acid. These compounds are the main cause of anti-inflammatory activity in the herb. In a study, culantro showed a decrease in inflammation at severe levels of Vascular or heart disease. It helps in reducing inflammation caused by protein rich fluid in the blood vessels.

Treats Renal Disorder

According to European herbal medicines, the properties of culantro increases the urethra and helps in treating kidney disorders such as chronic prostatitis, cystitis, painful urine and urethra. This essential herb can help prevent kidney diseases.

Treats Malaria

Culantro is full of flavonoids, tannins and many triterpenoids. These compounds exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective against parasites in malaria and other microbes such as bacteria and fungi.

Treats Worm

culantro is a traditional spicy herb used all over the world to treat multiple diseases. A study published in Indian Journal of pharmacology says that culantro has anthelmintic property that can help to kills worms in the intestine.

Manages Blood Pressure

Culantro is used as a healthy herb containing plenty of iron, protein, calcium, vitamin A, B, C and carotene. These compounds help to control high blood pressure.

Uses of Culantro

We can use culantro in various ways.

Culantro can be used as a garnish for many dishes. It enhances the taste as well as provides a good aroma to the dish. You can also make dips of it.
Culantro leaf juice, oil made from culantro is also used popularly.
This remedy herb has many processes to use in various health conditions in Ayurveda. It can be chewed raw, its juice is applied externally, paste or poultice is used.

Side Effects of Culantro

There is no proven harm of Culantro. However, this can lead to allergic reactions to some people. Excessive consumption of it can have some adverse effects.
A study says, daily consumption of culantro for 24 weeks can lead to kidney disorders. People with kidney failure should take this herb only as per the permission of the doctor.
No adequate study says about safe doses of culantro during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using it if you face any difficulty while consuming this.

It should be used regularly in the right quantity keeping in view the benefits and disadvantages of Culantro as excessive use of any product can harm our health.

The doctor should be consulted before using this herb in case medicinal uses (especially if you are suffering from any serious health conditions).

Conclusion

The above article provided the basic information about the health benefits of culantro and other related things. Please consult your doctor if you face any allergic reaction from using the herb. Hope the article benefits you in various ways.

FAQ

1/ Which diseases are traditionally treated using Culantro?

Ans: It is used in traditional medicines for burns, ear ache, fever, high blood pressure, constipation, asthma, abdominal pain, worms, infertility complications, snake bites as well as Malaria.

2/ Can we eat culantro raw?

Ans: Yes, you can eat cilantro raw. It is usually used as garnish for dishes like soup, stew etc. It is also prepared as a dip.

3/ What are the benefits of eating culantro?

Ans: This herbal plant is rich in calcium and contains iron, riboflavin and carotene. According to Purdue University, culantro has medicinal values and can be prepared as tea to fight flu, diabetes, constipation and fever.

4/ Is culantro good for asthma?

Ans: Recently researchers have found that culantro is one of the best sources of medicine that can help cure asthma.

5/ Does culantro help in relieving pain?

Ans: Culantro is commonly known to reduce inflammation of body parts such as joints, muscle cramps and many other body pain.