Coriander is a plant. Both the leaves and fruit (seeds) of coriander are used as food and medicine. However, the term "coriander" is typically used to refer to the fruit. Coriander leaves are usually referred to as cilantro. In the following sections, the term "coriander" will be used to describe the fruit.
Coriander is used for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS), constipation, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), nausea, athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, coriander is used as a culinary spice and to prevent food poisoning.
In manufacturing, coriander is used as a flavoring agent in medicines and tobacco and as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps.