Herbal Medicine 101: Cilantro or Coriander

Cilantro and Coriander are the same plant - one is the tops and the other is the seeds. Until recently, this plant was also called "Chinese celery", and was not found in its fresh forms in most American grocery stores. The reason is that most people of European heritage have a genetic predisposition to find the scent absolutely disgusting! But, now it is a popular herb as Americans have come to appreciate Mexican, South American and Asian food. Before then, the seeds were mostly used as a pickling spice. Its medicinal, detoxifying and even narcotic properties have been documented for thousands of years. This now common kitchen herb will probably surprise you!