Coriander and Cilantro Essential Oils: Breaking Frontiers

Welcome back to Harvesters’ Corner! Today we are looking at a very unique plant: Coriander. We have looked at a broad variety of herbs and spices here at Harvesters’ Corner, with the history of many plants extending into ancient times. Part of what makes Coriander’s uniqueness is that its culinary and other uses impact a much larger grouping of civilizations than most of the other plants we’ve examined. One authority I came across went so far as to state that Coriander, “was one of the first flavors utilized by humankind and has been developed for ages.” (1) Coriander, Coriandrum sativum, is a member of the Apiaceae, family, where we also find leafy green plants like parsley, carrots, celery, dill and fennel (2). This unassuming plant grows about three feet (1 meter) tall and produces white flowers with a touch of purple. These develop into round light brown seeds, the “fruit” of the plant. These seeds are what get harvested and ground up to be sold for spice. The plant’s name comes from a rather unflattering source, one which we must take with a touch of skepticism. “Coriandrum” comes from two Greek words: “koris,” and “annon.” Koris translates as a stinking bug, while annon translates as “fragrant anise”. (3).

I need to point out that the definition of Coriander depends greatly on where you live. Here in North America, where I live, the name references the seed pods. In other countries the name refers to the green leaves and stems that crown the plant. For my neck of the woods, those green leafy tops are called Cilantro. Some say it has a bright aroma and a citrusy taste, while there are others who disagree, but we will dwell on this more in a bit. This difference, however, is another aspect that showcases Coriander’s uniqueness. The flavor profiles for the leaves and seed pods are very different, as is the chemical composition of each component. The only other plant I am presently familiar with that produces different essential oils from its separate parts is Bitter Orange, which gives us Neroli and Petitgrain.

In the Beginning…

Coriander has a long history of use. Its presence in so many different cultures over the years makes determining its primary fields of origin to be virtually impossible. Archeological records indicate the Mediterranean coast of the Middle East, while the diversity of civilizations suggests more the central steppes of Asia, between the Black and Caspian Seas. Written records from India indicate the plant’s use around 5000 BC, while the Ebers Papyrus indicates the plant’s presence in Egypt dating to 1500 BC. Coriander is believed to have been in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, an ancient wonder of the world dating to around 600 BC. The Greeks were very familiar with Coriander and used it to flavor their wine. By the time of Julius Caesar, Rome was well acquainted with the plant as well, using it in wine, as well as a seasoning for meat and bread. Coriander was so important to the Roman palate that the centurions stationed in Britain introduced the plant in those islands. (4) Many of these ancient cultures incorporated the plant into their traditional medical practices as well as their cuisine. In India, Coriander was used to aid the digestive and respiratory systems, while in the countries embracing Islam the plant was used for skin care. The lands of the Persian Empire embraced the plant as a means of relaxing and sleeping better. Among the more interesting uses I found were the Roman belief that the plant would act as an antidote for the poison of the two-headed serpent, and the Chinese belief that eating the seeds with a pure heart was the path to immortality (5) In the years following the Renaissance the people of Belgium began using Coriander to brew beer, a process which they still follow. (6) The fact that two mighty oceans separated the Americas from Europe and Asia resulted in the introduction of Coriander to the Americas occurring in 1630, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony was established. The early immigrants brought the plant with them for their gardens in the new world. (7)

A Plethora of Culinary Uses

The modern-day culinary uses for Coriander are legion. Try combining it with cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper for a Middle Eastern inspired dry rub for meat. Coriander is one of the seven spices making up Garam Masala, is one of the nine spices in the Middle Eastern blend Baharat, and is a major ingredient in curry powder. There are many who call Coriander the most commonly used flavoring in the world due to its diverse applications ranging from the Middle East and southeast Asia as well as many Latin American countries. (8) Despite this, Coriander has fallen out of favor in Italy, where it has been replaced in Italian cuisine by Basil and other herbs. Main dishes aren’t the only culinary treats accented by Coriander. It can be mixed with blueberries in buttercream icing to accent lemon chiffon cake. You can even try swapping the Coriander in the icing with fennel.

Now relax before you get upset with the fact that I haven’t mentioned much about Cilantro. Even though Coriander and Cilantro come from the same plant, their textures and flavors are completely different. These two are not interchangeable in food. A good rule of thumb is that Coriander is usually toasted and ground into a powder before being used as a spice. Cilantro is chopped fresh and used as a garnish, or tossed in last minute in foods like stir-fries or tacos. Cilantro lovers claim that the flavor of the leaves to be fresh and citrusy, reminiscent of Lime or Lemon. I must add here that my husband strongly disagrees with this claim.

Concerning Cilantro

So where does the name “Cilantro” come from? It is, quite literally, the Spanish name for Coriander! Cilantro is known by a diverse collection of names worldwide. Some call it Chinese, Mexican, or even Japanese parsley. (9). In Sanskrit it is dhanya; in Arabic it is kuzbarah; in French it is coriander; and across the border in Germany it is koriandersamen. (10) Just a moment ago I commented on how Cilantro lovers say the chopped leaves have a citrusy taste and then added that my husband disagrees. He says the leaves have a soapy taste. As it turns out, he’s not the only one. There are estimates that as many as one in seven Americans (14%) sense a soapy smell and/or taste where Cilantro is concerned. (11) Another study, undertaken in 2012, indicated that the percentage increases to nearly one in five (20%) when the countries of Europe are added to the equation (12) This massive swing in smell and taste sensations has little gray area in the middle. People either love Cilantro, or they despise it, to the point of creating groups such as “Youth Understanding Cilantro Kills (Y.U.C.K)”, or websites like IHateCilantro.com. (13) This leads to anther point of Coriander/Cilantro's uniqueness: it is one of the most polarizing and divisive food ingredients known. (14)

Why is this? I was rather surprised to see a shift in the attitudes surrounding Coriander occur around the Middle Ages. The plant went from being everyone’s favorite plant, to suddenly being described in very negative terms. It is around this timeframe that references to the Greek word koris being used in reference to a stink bug, and therefore since the Greeks were well acquainted with the plant, the first two syllables of the name (cori-) were in reference to the stench made when the leaves were crushed. This is why I mentioned earlier that we needed to be suspicious of the meaning of the name. As to the fact that so many people smell or taste soap when eating the leaves, there is speculation that a gene in our bodies underwent a mutation, and that a common ancestor (or ancestors) passed this mutated gene down through the generations. The best that scientists have come up with is that the mutated gene affects the olfactory (or smell cells) for receptor 6A2 and makes the individual hypersensitive to the aldehydes (a volatile aromatic compound formed from de-hydrogenated alcohols) found in the leaves of the plant. Unfortunately, the scientists haven’t fully determined how the mutated gene a

ffects the taste buds, as well. (15)

Modern-day Applications

There has been considerable research which shows that Coriander may assist several body systems maintain a healthy function. This isn’t surprising, considering the popularity seen world-wide in traditional remedies. More than two thousand research articles on Coriander were published between 2013 and 2023, most of which were focused on the preparation of the plant and an analysis of the oil obtained. (16) Coriander essential oil is among the top twenty essential oils in the world. Its primary constituent is linalool, which is found in numerous fragrant plants including Basil, Cinnamon, Thyme and citrus fruits. Linalool is one of the primary calming fragrances available and has been used as an additive in cosmetics like shampoo and soaps for many years.

The source for dōTERRA’s Coriander oil is the European country of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova is a small land-locked country nestled between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova was an autonomous region of Ukraine prior to the end of World War II. After the war it was merged with Bessarabia to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic when Russia absorbed the country as part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.). Today, Moldova is still one of Europe’s poorest countries. The primary economic driver is agriculture, with wine being its biggest export. (17) The country encompasses roughly 13,000 square miles (33,851 km²), making it just smaller than the American states of Maryland and Delaware (14,896 square miles or 38,850 km²) (18) Moldova has benefited from multiple contracts with Co-Impact Sourcing, with farmers growing Clary Sage, Coriander seed and Cilantro leaf, as well as Fennel for oil production.

Elena and Vasile, Sourcing Partners in Moldova, have worked hard to help their fellow countrymen improve their economic foundation. The duo makes a good team as they open new opportunities through Co-Impact Sourcing. “I know it’s a poor country,” Elena states. “They have intelligent, hardworking people, and they have land and soil, which is good for quality essential oils.” (19) Generations of planting without rotating crops has taken a toll on the soil, which Vasile laments. “The soil, it sort of lost its structure. These essential oil plants, they bring an alternative as they improve the soil structure…and they do so naturally, not with chemicals.” (20) Care must be taken with Cilantro. Planting starts in late spring, with new batches planted every two to three weeks. The leaves are harvested a month after planting. If the plant doesn’t receive enough water, or if the ground gets too hot as the leaves are maturing, the plant won’t produce the proper oil profile. As you can see, much experience is needed in growing this plant. Coriander is a bit more forgiving, as the seeds develop from the flowers. It, too, is harvested around the time the leaves are gathered.

Coriander oil’s chemical makeup is similar to Lavender, and it is excellent for promoting healthy skin. It can also be diffused to promote a relaxed environment. You can also take Coriander internally to help promote a healthy digestive tract. Both Coriander and Cilantro can be used in culinary applications. Remember that a little goes a long way with the oils, and they can quickly overpower whatever you are making. Use a toothpick and swirl in and then let the food rest before you sample. You can always add more, but you can’t remove what you’ve already added. Cilantro can also be combined with citrus oils and used to clean work surfaces in the kitchen and home office—that is if you aren’t one of the people who detest the scent! Most importantly, remember that Coriander and Cilantro do have different chemical compositions. Don’t be afraid to try Coriander even if you can’t tolerate Cilantro.

To New Lands and Beyond

Historically Coriander has been on the edge of exploration. We saw it carried by farmers as they set out to make a new life for themselves in far-off locations such as the Romans in Britain and the English in America. Cilantro is still on the edge of exploration. EDEN ISS is a project underway in Antarctica to demonstrate what crops are good for safe food production on-board the International Space Station (ISS) and used in future human space exploration vehicles and planetary outposts. Coriander is one of the crops being tested in EDEN ISS. In other words, Coriander may soon grow in Outer Space and on spaceships headed towards Mars and other frontiers. (21) I encourage you to use this unique oil at home. You can even use Cilantro as well, if you can tolerate the smell. Remember that our use of these oils is enabling farmers and growers around the world more opportunities to become self-reliant and provide better opportunities for their families, and for generations yet to come. Join us next time here at Harvesters’ Corner as we take a look at Tumeric. Until then, stay safe, and keep sharing the oils!

Sources and Notes

1.    Thakur, Kumari, Chaudhary, et al. “Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): A Common Indian Traditional Spice and Ayurvedic Remedy.” 16 March 2021. Online. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367935343_CORIANDER_CORIANDRUM_SATIVUM_A_COMMON_INDIAN_TRADITIONAL_SPICE_AND_AYURVEDIC_REMEDY>. Accessed 18 May 2025.

2.    McCormick Spice Institute. “Coriander.” Online. <https://www.mccormickscienceinstitute.com/resources/culinary-spices/herbs-spices/coriander> Accessed 18 May 2025. Also “Coriander: A Common Indian Traditional Spice and Ayurvedic Remedy.”

3.     McCormick Spice Institute. “Coriander.”

4.    “Coriander: A Common Indian Traditional Spice and Ayurvedic Remedy.” (See Source 1)

5.    Denker, Joel.  “Saved from the ‘Two-Headed Serpent’: The Curious Case of Coriander.” Online. <https://www.foodpassages.com/jottings-by-joel/intowner-columns/saved-from-the-two-headed-serpent-the-curious-history-of-coriander-part-i/>. Accessed 22 May 2025. The serpent in reference is the Amphisbaena. This mythologic two-headed creature was believed to have been spawned in the deserts of Libya. After Perseus killed the gorgon, Medusa, he flew over the Libyan desert, the bloody head in his gripped in his hand. Drops of blood fell on the hot sands below and the foul creature was thus born. The Roman author Pliny indicates that the Amphisbaena had twin heads, “that is one at the tail end as well, as though it were not enough for the poison to be used out of one mouth.” (Natural History VIII, 85).

6.    Spence, Charles. “Coriander (cilantro): A Most Divisive Herb.” International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science. 10 July 2023. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372290772_Coriander_cilantro_A_most_divisive_herb>. Accessed 22 May 2025.

7.    Ibid

8.    McCormick Spice Institute. “Coriander.”

9.    Ibid

10. Ibid

11. Saladino, Emily. “What’s the Difference Between Cilantro and Coriander?” 10 June 2024. Online. <https://www.foodandwine.com/cilantro-vs-coriander-8660889>. Accessed 18 May 2025.

12. Mauer and El-Sohemy, “Prevalence of Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) Disliking Among Different Ethbocultural Groups,” Flavour, May 2012. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231814516_Prevalence_of_cilantro_Coriandrum_sativum_disliking_among_different_ethnocultural_groups>. Accessed 18 May 2025.

13. Rubenstein, Sarah. “Across the Land, People are Fuming Over and Herb (No, Not That One).” Wall Street Journal, 13 Feb 2009. Online. <https://web.archive.org/web/ 20151118213337/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123446387388578461>. Accessed 18 May 2025.

14. Ibid.

15. Mauer and El-Sohemy, “Prevalence of Cilantro (Coriander sativum) Disliking Among Different Ethnocultural Groups”

16.  Scandar, Zadra, and Marcoltullio. “Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Polyphenols and Their Nutraceutical Value against Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.” Molecules. 28 May 2023. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370907003_ Coriander_Coriandrum_sativum_Polyphenols_and_Their_Nutraceutical_Value_against_Obesity_and_Metabolic_Syndrome>. Accessed 18 May 2025.

17. BBC. “Moldova country profile.” Updated 4 November 2024. Online. <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17601580> Accessed 26 May 2025. 

18. Maryland and Delaware are the only two neighboring states that are close. New Hampshire and Vermont have a combined area of 18,964 square miles, and Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combine for a total of 17,643 square miles. Maine alone is 35,385 square miles, just barely smaller than the rest of New England (NH, VT, MA, CT, RI) combined, a total of 36,607 square miles!

19. dōTERRA. “dōTERRA’s New Sourcing Adventure—Moldova.” dōTERRA Essential Oils Europe, 16 July 2021. YouTube. Accessed 24 May 2025.

20. Ibid.

21. EDEN ISS. <https://eden-iss.net/>. Accessed 24 May 2025.

Disclaimer

All views on Harvesters’ Corner are those of the author. I am a Wellness Advocate with dōTERRA, and I use the essential oils daily. Any purchases made through my affiliate link may earn me a commission. The oils are not intended to treat or cure any illness.